Christopher,
The idea of facilitator practice sessions is a really good one. How open are your instructors to this?
Renee Shaffer
We work mostly graduate level (adults) students and agree that the student-centered approach is the most effective way to teach. We train our instructors on how to facilitate and we conduct facilitator practice sessions to help them learn multiple facilitation skills. The concept is to enhance our staff from the Instructor (trainer) to the facilitator (educator).
Sharon,
Good point. Workers nowadays are having to work much more effectively in group situations so it is great that we educators can help "train" to do this.
Renee Shaffer
I love this approach. Today with technology and instructional simulations and gaming, active learning is easier to employ into the curriculum then it was 10 years ago. The challenge for the student, particularly adult students, is to work collaboratively and cooperatively with other who may not be quite as engaged or perhaps are simply having a rough week at work and do not have the energy to contribute. The method certainly helps 'train' students how to learn and gather knowledge as well as to effectively synthesize and apply it.
Fonzette,
One of the main issues of student-centered learning is that the student has to be interested in actually being in the class. I think that we all know students who are "just there" and do not really like the subject, want to be there, etc. Those students are problematic to the student centered learning but I am afraid that we just have to deal with them.
Renee Shaffer
LaShanta ,
Yes, many times the students are just looking for the instructor to do everything. They need encouragement to branch out themselves!
Renee Shaffer
There are some advantages and disadvantages to the student-centered learning approach. As a student at Phoenix University I had the experience of completing group work and I must say that it was a challenge but it provided me with a skillset that I would not have had if I had not experienced it. We established team norms and worked together as if we were in an organization where we made our own terms. We assessed each other work and provided feedback. The instructor engaged somewhat as if she/he was the CEO of the organization just to make sure that we were on track. I give this example because this experience was an advantage in that the students in my course interacted and learned important communicative and collaborate skills through the group setting. We were more focused on our learning activities and everyone initially participated. A disadvantage was if we had a member of the group that did not participate and it caused the team grade to drop. It seemed that our instructor managed all of the groups in the course but I believe it was difficult because she/he did not know who was not contributing until we evaluated one another and sent it to the instructor. I think a combination of student-centered and teacher-centered is more effective so that all students needs are met.
Fonzette Smith-Leavell
Renee,
I word encourage more student-centered class, students don’t depend on their teacher all the time,
waiting for instructions, words of approval, correction, advice, or praise.
Students don’t ignore each other, but look at each other and communicate with each other.
Thank You
LaShanta Singleton
Merle,
Great news. Glad to have you aboard the student-centered learning "train"!
Renee Shaffer
The student centered learning allows for the student to have more responsibility in their learning and education. They have to use their skills to be successful.
I appreciate student-centered learning as it shifts the focus from teaching to learning. In other words, I enjoy the student-centered approach because it encourages active learning. I believe the traditional method of teaching allows for passive learning, which is not conducive to ensuring an understanding beyond the minimal needed to pass a test. With student centered learning, a deeper understanding leads to knowledge that can be applied after the student leaves the course (a deeper understanding of the contents). The expectation of the student is higher and when expectations are higher, students tend to engage more in order to meet those expectations...so, I fully support student-centered learning.
Jeanette,
We never actually know how the students will react do we?
Renee Shaffer
Troy,
I agree with you! Depending on the type of student online could become extremely challenging. My concern is that younger students may not have the disciplined needed to be successful.
I feel they may be rushing through information and not retaining as much.
I think as educators we are responsible for ensuring student have an understanding of the material.
I think this is a great approach however, my concern is with the student that may not be successful with this approached.
Michael,
Sometimes it is hard to do the facilitating but in the end, it is all worth it!
Renee Shaffer
I think the concept is fantastic as student-centered learning is the entire class learning together, meaning, not any one person has all the answers (not even the professors); however, the class as a unit teaches each other (shared or sharing experiences). The instructor/teacher takes a back seat and more so facilitates the lessons ensuring that everyone is involved because everyone has something to offer and learn from each other, so I am all for it.
Michael
Antoine,
Yes, many more students nowadays like to do group work. This collaborative nature is different than in previous generations.
Renee Shaffer
When it comes to student-centered learning I think it is good for adult learners as students learn important communicative and collaborative skills through group work. They learn to direct their own learning, ask questions and complete tasks independently.
Regarding high school this can work as most are interested in learning activities when they can interact with one another and participate actively as long as you have a way to monitor those who get side tracked.
How well will it work in an introductory English course with students ranging from almost functionally illiterate to advanced writing skills
Troy,
Your ideas are definitely normal so don't worry!
Renee Shaffer
