Student Centered Learning: Why, How, & What

Teachings in Education

19 Sept 201803:59

Summary

TLDRThis video script introduces student-centered learning, an educational approach that empowers students to take charge of their learning journey. It emphasizes creating independent and responsible learners through active engagement, higher-order thinking, and problem-solving. The classroom environment is dynamic, with students working collaboratively, exploring interests, and using technology to solve real-world problems. Teachers facilitate learning, assess students' self-evaluations, and encourage choice in assignments. The video concludes with tips for implementing student-centered practices and invites viewers to subscribe and access additional resources.

Takeaways

🎯 The primary goal of student-centered learning is to foster independent and responsible learners capable of adapting to the 21st-century workplace.
📚 Student-centered classrooms are characterized by students being actively engaged and on task, with teachers facilitating rather than directing the learning process.
🧠 Students in such classrooms are encouraged to utilize higher-order thinking skills through inquiry-based learning and problem-solving activities.
🔍 Students are given the freedom to work at their own pace, driving the lesson according to their interests and abilities.
🤝 Cooperative learning is a common feature, with students working together in groups and building upon each other's knowledge.
🏫 The classroom environment should reflect a partnership in learning between teachers and students, with mutual goals and collaboration.
🖼️ Evidence of student work, such as projects, posters, and writing samples, should be visibly displayed throughout the classroom.
💻 Technology is integrated into the classroom to assist students in problem-solving, mirroring real-world applications.
🗣️ Debate and discussion are encouraged as students are given a voice and feel empowered to express their ideas.
📝 Teachers should provide students with choices in their assignments, promoting autonomy and personal investment in learning.
📈 Teachers are advised to teach 'big ideas' and allow students to discover the details themselves, incorporating student reflections into grading and assessments.
📊 Performance-based and authentic assessments are emphasized as they align with real-world workplace expectations.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of student-centered learning?
-The primary goal of student-centered learning is to create independent and responsible learners for the future.
What are some benefits of using a student-centered classroom model?
-Benefits include students learning to express themselves, being engaged in their work, utilizing higher-order thinking skills, working at their own pace, and developing transferable skills for the 21st-century workplace.
How does student engagement differ in a student-centered classroom compared to a traditional classroom?
-In a student-centered classroom, students are more engaged because they are involved in inquiry-based learning and problem-solving activities, and they drive the lesson rather than the teacher.
What role does the teacher play in a student-centered classroom?
-The teacher facilitates the learning process, allowing students to explore their interests and work together in a cooperative learning environment, forming a partnership in learning with the students.
How is technology used in a student-centered classroom?
-Technology is used to help students solve problems, similar to real-world situations, and is integrated into the learning process to enhance problem-solving and collaboration.
What does a school administrator expect to see when they observe a student-centered classroom?
-They should see students working on assignments, exploring interests, collaborating in groups, and using technology to aid in their learning, with the teacher facilitating rather than dominating the lesson.
How can students' voices be empowered in a student-centered classroom?
-Students are given a choice in their assignments, and they are encouraged to debate ideas with one another, which gives them a voice and makes them feel empowered.
What are some tips for implementing student-centered learning in the classroom?
-Tips include teaching big ideas, allowing students to discover details, giving students a chance to evaluate their own learning, using performance-based and authentic assessments, and teachers moving around the room for formative assessments.
Why are performance-based and authentic assessments important in a student-centered classroom?
-These types of assessments are important because they reflect what students will encounter in real-world workplace environments, promoting practical application of knowledge and skills.
How can teachers formatively assess students in a student-centered classroom?
-Teachers can formatively assess students by moving around the room, asking questions, and engaging with students in a non-graded manner to understand their progress and comprehension.
What resources are available for educators interested in student-centered learning?
-Resources can be downloaded from the description link below the video, and educators can also follow the channel on Twitter and Pinterest for more insights and materials.

Outlines

00:00

📚 Introduction to Student-Centered Learning

This paragraph introduces the concept of student-centered learning, an educational approach that emphasizes the students' role in their own learning process. The main goal is to foster independent and responsible learners capable of self-expression and higher-order thinking. The benefits of this model include increased student engagement, the development of transferable skills, and the ability to work at one's own pace. The paragraph also poses the question of what a student-centered classroom might look like, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the topic.

👥 Characteristics of a Student-Centered Classroom

This section delves into the specifics of what constitutes a student-centered classroom. It describes an environment where students are actively working on assignments, exploring their interests, and collaborating in groups. The teacher acts as a facilitator, guiding students towards mutual learning goals. The classroom is dynamic, with students using technology to solve problems and engaging in debates, reflecting the use of voice and empowerment. The paragraph also highlights the importance of student work being visible in the classroom through projects, posters, and writing samples.

🔍 Tips for Implementing Student-Centered Learning

The final paragraph provides practical tips for educators looking to implement student-centered learning in their classrooms. It suggests teaching 'big ideas' and allowing students to discover the details themselves. The importance of student self-evaluation and reflection is emphasized, as well as the use of performance-based and authentic assessments that mirror real-world workplace environments. The paragraph concludes with advice for teachers to be mobile, engaging in formative assessments, and a call to action for viewers to subscribe to the channel and follow the presenter on social media.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Student-Centered Learning

Student-centered learning is an educational approach that emphasizes the role of students in the learning process, rather than the teacher. It is integral to the video's theme, as it discusses the benefits and implementation of this approach in the classroom. The script mentions that this method aims to create independent and responsible learners, highlighting its significance in preparing students for the future.

💡Independent Learners

Independent learners are individuals who can take charge of their own education, think critically, and make decisions about their learning path. The video script underscores the importance of fostering this skill through student-centered learning, as it prepares students to be self-sufficient and adaptable in the 21st-century workplace.

💡Higher-Order Thinking Skills

Higher-order thinking skills refer to complex cognitive processes such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation. The script mentions that student-centered learning encourages the development of these skills through inquiry-based learning and problem-solving activities, which are crucial for students to excel in real-world situations.

💡Inquiry-Based Learning

Inquiry-based learning is a method where students actively participate in the learning process by asking questions and seeking answers. The video script describes this as a key component of student-centered classrooms, where students are engaged in their work and are encouraged to explore their interests.

💡Problem-Solving

Problem-solving is the ability to analyze a situation and find a solution. The script highlights the role of problem-solving in student-centered learning, where students are given opportunities to tackle challenges and develop critical thinking skills that are valuable in their future careers.

💡Cooperative Learning

Cooperative learning is an instructional strategy that involves students working together in small groups to achieve a common goal. The video script illustrates this concept by describing a classroom environment where students build upon each other's knowledge, emphasizing the collaborative aspect of student-centered learning.

💡Technology

The use of technology in the classroom is highlighted in the script as a tool that helps students solve problems, similar to real-world situations. It shows how a student-centered classroom integrates modern tools to enhance learning experiences and prepare students for the technological demands of the future.

💡Choice

Choice in assignments is presented in the script as a way to empower students and give them a voice in their learning. By providing students with options, teachers encourage them to take ownership of their education, which is a central tenet of student-centered learning.

💡Reflection

Reflection is the process of thinking deeply about one's learning experiences. The video script suggests that student reflections can be part of a teacher's grading and assessments, indicating the importance of self-evaluation in the student-centered learning model.

💡Authentic Assessments

Authentic assessments are evaluations that measure students' abilities to apply knowledge and skills in real-world contexts. The script mentions these types of assessments as an integral component of student-centered learning, preparing students for the types of evaluations they will encounter in professional settings.

💡Formative Assessment

Formative assessment is a continuous process used by teachers to monitor student progress and provide feedback. The video script describes teachers moving around the classroom to conduct formative assessments in a friendly manner, which is a key practice in student-centered learning environments.

Highlights

Student-centered learning is an instructional approach focusing on students rather than the teacher.

The overall goal is to create independent and responsible learners for the future.

Positive benefits include students learning to express themselves and articulate individual ideas.

Student engagement is increased through this model, with students being constantly on task.

Higher-order thinking skills are utilized through inquiry-based learning and problem-solving activities.

Students work at their own pace, driving the lesson rather than being driven by the teacher.

Students learn transferable skills that help them adapt to the 21st-century workplace.

A student-centered classroom is characterized by students working on assignments with the teacher facilitating.

Students are allowed to explore their interests, such as performing experiments in chemistry.

Cooperative learning is frequent, with students building upon each other's knowledge.

The teacher and student work together in a partnership for mutual learning goals.

Examples of student work, including projects and posters, are displayed in the classroom.

Technology is used by students to solve problems, similar to real-world situations.

The classroom is not quiet; students debate ideas and feel empowered.

Teachers provide students with choice in their assignments to give them a voice.

Teaching 'big ideas' allows students to discover details for themselves.

Student reflections can be part of a teacher's grading and assessments.

Performance-based and authentic assessments are integral for real-world workplace readiness.

Teachers should be constantly moving around the room for formative assessment.

Resources and further information can be found in the description link and on social media.