What is student-centered learning? 

Student-centered learning makes the student the leader of their learning. They are more involved in curriculum planning and classroom decisions. The students are encouraged to create objectives, plans of action, and assessments for the objectives. Educators have become more aware of this method of teaching and the benefits of it. More educators have been turning to student-centered learning and stepping into the role of education facilitator. 

Characteristics of Student-Centered Learning

• The learner has full responsibility, accountability, and autonomy for their learning and education
• The role of the teacher is as a facilitator or resource person
• There is mutual respect between the learning and facilitator
• Active rather than passive learning, encouraging in depth learning and understanding
• Opportunities to learn and use knowledge that directly relates to issues and problems in students' real life contexts
• Makes it essential and possible for students to construct their knowledge through critical thinking, problem solving, inquiry and communication

Results from a Study about Student-Centered Learning

Jeffry Walsh and Donna Vandiver (2007) conducted a study on the effects of student-centered learning in a research class for undergraduate students.

The student-centered method was used for an entire semester. Questionnaires were then completed by the students.

• 48% indicated that they spend more time on the course that their other courses. They implied that they did so because they were in charge of their learning.
• 96% felt that actively "doing" research was more valuable than learning passively from lectures
• 87% of the students felt that the topic of the semester was interesting because the class had chosen it
• 74% said that they learned a lot from the topic
• 87% agreed that they had increased their knowledge as a result 
• Grades:
• 18% - A's
• 51% - B's
• 26% - C's
• 4% - D's or F's (2 students)

Possible Negative Effects of Student-Centered Learning

There are some possible pitfalls if student-centered learning is taken to the extreme

• It does not consider the needs of the whole class
• Focusing completely on the individual learner presents the danger of physical isolation from other learners
• The possibility of undermining the value of interaction with peers as well as the importance of the social context of learning 

For more information over Student-Centered Learning click here. 

Singh, N. n. (2011). Student-centered learning (SCL) in classrooms: A comprehensive overview. Educational Quest, 2(2), 275-282 

This video is an introduction to Student-Centered Learning using Technology. 

Grove, D. [Dawn Grove] (2013, October 9). Student-Centered Learning  [Video file]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Ygnyiik8aM

This Prezi gives a brief overview of Student-Centered Learning 

It covers the following topics: 

• The Difference Between Student-Centered Learning and Teacher-Centered Learning
• Student-Centered Learning with Technology
• National Educational Technology Standards (NETS)
• What are they?
• Examples of NETS
• Overcoming Technology Integration Issues
• Copyright & Fair Use Guidelines 

Robinson, D. (2014). Professional Development Training: Student-Centered Learning [Prezi Presentation]. Retrieved from https://prezi.com/lzu0h3vxf0lc/professional-development-training-student-centered-learning/

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