Student-centered learning empowers and engages students by actively involving them as partners in their education. It is a fast-growing teaching and learning philosophy that offers flexibility in teaching styles and situations.
Here, we will discuss what student-centered learning is, how it helps students, and ways you can transform your learning environment into a student-centered classroom.
What is student-centered learning?
At its core, student-centered learning is a teaching and learning model that actively involves students in study planning, carrying out the work of learning, and defining how to assess progress.
It is a collaboration between teacher and student. Students get involved in defining their own “why” to learn, which is more motivating than a teacher or authority figure simply stating that the work is required. By taking this level of responsibility, students learn valuable life skills as they acquire curriculum knowledge.
Inclusion in the classroom is at the heart of this teaching and learning model. A student-centered approach works for all types of learners, from gifted students, to students with special needs receiving ABA therapy in school, to students who require ADHD student accommodations.
8 benefits of student-centered learning
The student-centered approach has advantages in the learning environment that make school more rewarding for everyone.
1. Better classroom engagement
Taking a student-centered teaching approach encourages students to actively participate and work together in sharing knowledge. It empowers students, removes barriers, and lessens the intimidation of traditional classrooms.
2. Customized learning for students
When students have a say in a student-centered classroom, the result is a more personalized approach that adjusts to each student’s learning style and needs. You can tailor the approach to a specific student, such as incorporating ADHD strategies for students as part of a customized plan.
3. Enhanced critical thinking skills
When students know why they are studying something and have a say in the process, they learn to think. They seek and evaluate sources of information, make judgements about its reliability and logic, and gain a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
4. Encourages independence
One of the benefits of student-centered learning is that it instills a sense of responsibility in students and gives each of them a clear, logical path to mastering a subject. That encourages them to be more confident and independent learners.
5. Increases student motivation
Student-centered instruction is more rewarding and effective because of increased student interest and motivation. Students tend to enjoy learning and eagerly pursue their goals.
6. Better retention of learning material
A student-centered approach to learning increases how much learning a student retains and enhances their understanding of the classwork. Because they are motivated and engaged in critical thinking, the information they learn becomes part of their long-term memory.
7. Prepares students for the real world
Student-centered instruction provides learners with the mindset and skills they will need to thrive in life, both as they progress academically and as they pursue careers.
8. Emphasizes teamwork and collaboration
Student-centered learning gives some power to the student, but it also requires that the student take on the responsibility. Learners need to plan, communicate, listen, and learn from one another through sharing ideas and opinions.
Examples of student-centered learning activities in the classroom
Here are some examples of student-centered learning strategies that work in a classroom setting. These ideas and back-to-school tips can help you make learning a more fun and enriching experience.
- Interactive presentations. This technique is based on the idea that when you teach, you learn. By thinking through information to present it, it becomes a lasting part of a student’s knowledge.
- Personalized instruction. Students acquire information through methods that best match their learning style and do so at a pace that fits them.
- Choice boards. Students consider and select a variety of activities for gaining knowledge, working with it, and demonstrating their mastery of it.
- Peer teaching. Students design learning activities and then use them to impart knowledge to other students–another learning-by-teaching technique.
- Flipped classrooms. Instead of getting information at school then practicing at home through homework, they do the opposite. They gather information at home and work with it at school.
- Self-paced learning. Students plan their work and activities, then check off and grade their own assignments in partnership with the teacher in this approach to student-centered instruction.
- Multimedia learning. When information is presented in multiple ways, such as in writing, infographics, and videos or games, students are more likely to grasp and retain it.
- Station learning. Students can join specific spaces that offer different learning experiences. Stations can include small group discussions, technology, and places to do quiet independent work.
Empower your students by involving them in decisions
Knowing what student-centered learning is can open doors for a richer teaching experience. Given the immediate benefits of this model in the classroom, along with benefits of developing life-long skills, make student-centered learning an especially effective strategy. As you search for available school jobs, you can be thinking of how to bring these techniques to your next position.