Teacher-Centered Vs.
Student-Centered Learning
Roxana Williams
Ced550
December 13th, 2010
Kelly Ennis
Difference Between Teacher-Centered
and
Student-Centered Learning
There is much debate between
teacher-centered and student-centered
learning in the education environment.
“If education and true learning ever
had an authentic purpose, the student was
always a central figure involved in the
classroom, and his or her cooperation was
crucial-without student presence and
engagement, there is no school” (Sion,
1999, para. 1).
Teacher-Centered Learning
“The premise “one size fits all,” which is
attributed to a teacher-centered
instructional approach, is not working for a
growing number of diverse, student
populations” (Brown & Laboard, 2003,para.1).
• Teacher directs the classroom.
• Doesn’t meet diverse needs of students.
• Teaching styles conflict with students’
learning styles.
• Quiet classroom.
• Memorization of information.
• Limited learning.
• Teacher generates ideas (Henriksen,
2010).
• Students are passively involved in the
learning process.
• Computers are not used as tools.
Student-Centered Learning
“Learner-centered classrooms place
students at the center of classroom
organization and respect their learning
needs, strategies and styles” (Brown,
Laboard, 2003, para. 2).
• Teacher is a facilitator.
• Meets diverse needs of students
• Students work individually, in pairs or in
small groups.
• Learning is meaningful.
• Involves extensive planning and taskspecific classroom management.
• Students experience success.
• Students generate ideas (Henriksen, 2010).
• Students are actively involved in the
learning process.
• Technology is integrated into the
classroom.
Developing a Student-Centered Learning
Environment that uses Technology to Enhance
Student Learning.
A student-centered classroom “is an
environment where previously reluctant
learners transition into engaged learners,
taking on the role of helping shape their own
curriculum” (Henriksen, 2010, p. 46).
Before a student-centered learning
environment is designed, a teacher should take
in consideration the students’ needs, abilities,
and interests, so that they can be grouped in
heterogeneous groups.
Providing a number of computers,
computer applications and software, as well as
digital cameras and videos enhance student
learning.
Develop a vocabulary list with technical
terminology and other possible words that they
might encounter along the project.
Assuming that the teacher is
knowledgeable with computer technology,
students should be taught at least basic
computer skills before they start a project.
Grouping students in groups will allow
them to collaborate with each other.
Schedules for computer use should be
prepared to ensure equal access.
Provide web sites, links and bookmarks
for students’ research.
Create templates for graphs, so that
students can enter data easily.
References
Brown, Laboard, K. (2003). From teachercentered to learner-centered curriculum:
Improving learning in diverse classrooms.
Retrieved from
https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/classroom/ic/library.aspx.
Henriksen, A. B. (2010). Student ownership: Learning
in a student-centered art room.
Retrieved from
https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/classroom/ic/library.aspx.
Sion, R. (1999). A student-centered vs. teachercentered approach in the secondary classroom.
Retrieved from
https://ecampus.phoenix.edu/classroom/ic/library.aspx.