Teacher versus Learner Centered Instruction
Teacher Centered
Primary instructional methods include
lecture, teacher led discussion, book work
Primary instructional skills include
presenting, direction giving, demonstrating
Primary instructional model is teacher as
information provider/gatekeeper
20th century
Summative assessment dominant
Content coverage
Desks in rows
Conversation pattern is teacher-studentteacher-student-teacher
Students are asked “do you have any
questions?”
Whole group instruction
A single anchor text
Single delivery and assessment
Management by decree
Learner Centered
Primary instructional methods include
cooperative learning, inquiry, debates
Primary instructional skills include
questioning, facilitating, monitoring
Primary instructional model is teacher as
guide, helping students make meaning,
anticipating and correcting misconceptions
21st century
Formative assessment dominant
Content mastery
Flexible seating
Conversation pattern is teacher-studentstudent-student-teacher
Students are asked “what are you thinking,
what is your understanding?”
Whole, small, and flexible groups
Multiple texts are various reading levels on
the same topic or theme
Information presented in multiple ways
with options for assessment
Management by engagement and
cooperation