Learner-Centred Approaches

Amrita E-learning Research Lab

Learner-Centred Approaches

• What is learner-centred teaching?• Why do we need learner-centred approaches?• What are the characteristics of learner-centred approaches?• Some learner-centred methods and examples

What is Learner-Centred Teaching?

• Teacher-led pedagogy - ‘lecturing, note-taking, and memorizing information for later reproduction’

• Learner-centred approach shifts the focus of activity from the teacher to the learners Emphasizes what the learners do as against what the teacher does

• Based on constructivist theories Learners are not passive recipients of information; they construct and

reconstruct knowledge in order to learn

Why do we need Learner-Centred Teaching ?

• Research shows that learner-centered methods lead to Increased student engagement with the content Deep learning Long term retention Acquisition of critical thinking or creative problem-solving skills Positive attitude toward the subject being taught Confidence in knowledge or skills

Characteristics of Learner-Centred Teaching

Five practices that need to change: The functions of content The role of the teacher The responsibility for learning The processes and purposes of evaluation The balance of power

Weimer, M. (2002). Learner-centered teaching. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

Methods

• Learner-centred teaching does not employ a single teaching method. Emphasizes a variety of methods that shift the role of the instructors

from givers of information to facilitators of student learning.

Some learner-centred methods

• Active learning Students solve problems, answer questions, formulate questions of their

own, discuss, explain, debate, or brainstorm during class

• Cooperative learning Students work in teams on problems and projects under conditions that

assure both positive interdependence and individual accountability

• Inductive teaching and learning Students are first presented with challenges (questions or problems) and

learn the course material in the context of addressing the challenges. Includes inquiry-based learning, case-based instruction, problem-based

learning, project-based learning, discovery learning, and just-in-time teaching.

Some learner-centred methodsFlipped Classrooms

• Inverts traditional classroom teaching methods• Delivers instruction outside of class• Activities, discussions, “homework” in class

Dr. Sugata Mitra’s Hole-in-the-Wall Project

http://www.hole-in-the-wall.com/

Self-Organized Learning Environments (SOLE)

• Children group around Internet-equipped computers to discuss big questions.

• The teacher merges into the background and observes as learning happens.

The School in the Cloud

• Cloud-based, scalable approaches to self-directed learning.

References

• http://www.usciences.edu/teaching/Learner-Centered/implementing%20lct.pdf

• http://www.usciences.edu/teaching/Learner-Centered/• http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Student-

Centered.html• http://sc.edu/fye/events/presentation/annual/2012/files/CT-145.pdf• http://www.hole-in-the-wall.com/• www.uncp.edu/tlc/presentations/.../learner-centered_teaching.ppt• http://jittdl.physics.iupui.edu/jitt/• http://download.ei-ie.org/SiteDirectory/hersc/Documents/2010%20T4SCL

%20Stakeholders%20Forum%20Leuven%20-%20An%20Insight%20Into%20Theory%20And%20Practice.pdf

• http://www.ted.com/talks/sugata_mitra_build_a_school_in_the_cloud.html