What is Student-Centered Teaching?
On March 10, 2009 Peggy West of CITR facilitated a session around the question, "What is student-centered teaching?" Peggy provided activities and resources that helped answer the question. Discussion included the challenges of moving towards a more student-centered approach to teaching.
Highlights and Points of Discussion I. How is a student-centered classroom different from teacher-centered classroom?
Many of us feel we are student-centered...that is, we consider the needs of the students when we design and deliver our courses. But can we tell the difference between a teacher-centered and student-centered classroom? What makes them different in practice?
The first activity asked those present to sort a set of classroom characteristics into the two classifications. The results of the sort is provided in the Handout below.
In essence in student-centered classrooms:
Students engage and interact with information rather than just listening or reading.
The professor coaches students rather than playing the "sage on the stage."
Students have opportunities to evaluation themselves and peers.
Assessment is used to diagnose and promote learning.
Opportunities for formative assessments and assignments with feedback are provided.
II. The Principles of Student-Centered Teaching
Based on the APA Principles released in 1998, the principles can be categorized into five areas. Groups discussed how they address each of these areas in their teaching:
The Knowledge Base
Strategic Processing and Executive Control
Motivation and Affect
Development and Individual Differences
Situation or Context
III. The Challenges of being student-centered...
Students don't always respond immediately to a student-centered approach if they are used to being passive in the classroom. It can depend on their age/level and maturity. You need to help prepare students for increased accountability and participation.
It is not suggested to abandon all traditional approaches to teaching. There is still a place for lecture in a student-centered classroom. The professor is the expert in the room, and can/should model expertise. But this is often more successful when the professor takes on the role of coach and allows for a two-way dialogue. Expert feedback is highly valued in a student-centered classroom.
There are a variety of content strategies (see for example Bean (1997) and Blumberg (2008) that can be used to engage students in processing knowledge and information. Keeping in mind that learning occurs when students process (not just read or listen) is a key to the student-centered classroom.
IV. Final Thoughts
Becoming more student-centered should be gradual. It doesn't happen overnight. Reviewing the principles and setting goals in one or two areas is a positive step to teaching excellence..
Handouts and Resources
