Hi Nancy:
Applying knowledge for improved skills is one outcome.
Student learning outcomes relate to the whole program of study, SLO's are the "WHAT" that a student will or should learn from a course. By comparison, course objectives are the "HOW" the outcomes will be achieved.
Regards, Barry
Hopefully the students walk away with new skills that they can use later in their lives.
The outcome is that students can take the concepts and use them themselves. They gain confidence in their own skills and can build on them in the same or other fields.
I agree that when we see students who do not understand a concept, but we can show them how to understand it, and why it is relevant, and then they "get it" is one of the most rewarding aspects of teaching.
Outcomes of student centered learning is for the student to gain new knowledge then to be able to apply it in their career choice. Some students learn the material but cannot cross over to applying it in situations that may arise. Seeing students learning what they have learned and then applying it is very rewarding for the instructor.
Hi Ruth:
True and vaild comments.
I think when we think about how best a student can learn the needed material more than following our predetermined process for presebnting a standard curriculum, the students will benefit. In short, student centered shifts the learning strategies from process to progress.
Regards, Barry
Hi Sharon:
Great points. It's true there's a "student contribution" to the definition that's important.
Also, as you say, I think we can be effective facilitators of learning as much as feeders of information. The more involed the student is in their own learning the more meanigful and memorable that learning experience is likely to be.
Regards, Barry
As a chef Instructor, it is very to determine if a student is understanding and learning the material outlined by the Instructor. In a kitchen setting it is easier to see if a student is learning by following them and watching them cook. "See the chef Instructor demo" If the student paid close attention to the demo and listened to the Instructor, then he/she can re-produce with similiar results. Not the same in a Lecture/GenEd setting.
Student-centered learning has the outcome of the student's being able to use what they have learned in the class out in the "real world". All learning is focussed on what the student needs by what they presently know and can do and working to the point where they can apply it.
Student-centered includes the idea that students will have a choice in what they study and how they will accomplish this. This type of learning is focused on the student's needs, their abilities, their interests, and theirlearning styles with the teacher as the facilitator of the learning. A variety of instrucrtional methods can be used, such as CBL etc.
There is a shift away from teaching to an emphasis on learning from the teacher to the student. Some of the expected outcomes would be that it would stimulate motivation, increase peer communication between students, help to possibly reduce disruptive behavior in the classroom, build the student and teacher relationships. The student takes responsibility for their own learning, because they are actively learning and exploring new territories.
Hi Gilbert:
SLO's can be fine way to define WHAT a student is gain from a class. All of the associated lessons, resources, learning aids, and assessment determine HOW the student met the outcomes. Simple definition but true.
Regards, Barry
Hi Mo:
Good comment. I like to put it this way. The student learning outcomes (SLO's) are the "WHAT" students need to know, as compared to course objectives that define the "HOW" the slo's will be met. Just a simpler way to say it and thnk about it.
Regards, Barry
Yes this is true when a student starts to get the material, and depending on the delivery this can be instantaneous If the class involves exercises or practical work.When written work or tests are involved you might not have a sense of the students progress untill they turn in their work.
The outcome of student-centered learning is that students are able to achieve the desired objectives of the course in the most positive way possible. The students are encourage to experience the learning in their own way with their perspective at the forefront of the information delivery.
Hi David:
Application is always a good teacher.
Student Learning Outcomes (SLO's) describe what a student should learn in a course. They may not be too specific, but do describe what a student will know, learn, understand, apply, etc.
Regards, Barry
I think students have better retention and more confidence with the subject matter, they know that they understand the material because they have applied it to different situations
Hi Thomas:
Thanks for sharing your comments.
For me Student Leaning Outcomes (SLO's) form the "WHAT" of a class. By what, I mean SLO's define what it is the student is to leran.
In contrast, course objectives (CO's) form the the "HOW" of the course. By how, I mean CO's define how the teacher will achieve reaching the SLO's.
In this fashion, student learning occurs in a sequntial manner and assures that at least the potential for expected outcomes will be present.
Regards, Barry
I take the approach that I once was a student and I remember the good, bad and exciting about the classroom and the instructor. I try to get the students to understand the importance of their education and that is career material will be used to provide food, and shelter for themanf their families. I try to hit as many of their senses as possible each day and during the course. We all like steak, but everyday.
Hi Jeanne:
Good idea and definition! For me, it's simply relating to the student and doing waht is needed to get my point across - even if that deviates from the curricular plan. Relating the lessons to work setting will make those efforts more meaningful.
Regards, Barry
Student centered learning is used to get the students involved in learning the skills and the knowledge they need to become successful in a specific career field. They need to learn to think critically and be able to apply their knowledge and skills to a wide variety of situations in their career field.
