It’s no secret that the style of instruction implemented in a given learning environment plays a major role in students’ experience of their learning and academic outcomes. In recent years, more and more educators have been adopting a learner-centred approach to their teaching, but what exactly does this entail? What advantages does this form of instructional design have over others?
Many types of learner-centred approaches can make the concept seem broader or more complex than it actually is. This article will explore the nature and principles of student-centred learning and how it can effectively be employed both in the classroom and in training.
What is a learner-centred approach?
A learner-centred approach is a learning strategy where students are put at the core of the training instead of the trainers. Students are taught to solve problems, explore all the relevant information at their own pace, and share and apply their own knowledge, encouraging students to focus on lifelong learning.
Learner-centred approach vs. teacher-centred approach
It’s essential to differentiate the learner-centred approach to training or educating from the more traditional approach to instruction, namely, the teacher-centred approach. The key difference between learner-centred training (LCT) and teacher-centred training (TCT) is whether the emphasis is placed on the student or instructor as the primary driver of the learning process.
In this vein, some examples of a learner-centred approach to instruction might include employing group work and debates as part of a given lesson. A teacher-centred instructional approach, on the other hand, would typically revolve around a more traditional learning experience, such as through lectures and rote learning.
Learner-centred approach advantages and disadvantages
One advantage of a student-centred approach to teaching is its effectiveness. Simply put, it works. Studies have shown that employees, students, and trainees retain information better when taught using a learner-centred approach. A deeper understanding of course material can generally be expected through this learning process, as can higher levels of self-confidence among learners and a greater sense of satisfaction with the overall learning experience, compared to instruction based on the teacher-centred approach.
Another of the student-centred approach’s strengths is how it fosters an environment where students and employees can develop their soft skills and absorb relevant course or training materials. Independent problem-solving, communication skills, advanced learning skills, and critical thinking are just some of the faculties that a student-centred approach to teaching can facilitate.
Similarly, one of the primary learner-centred approach goals is helping students develop self-confidence. It encourages students to become active participants in their learning, acquiring a real sense of agency, often enabling them to feel more comfortable and assert themselves in the classroom.
Naturally, all instructional methods have their downsides and drawbacks. One flaw of learner-centred teaching is that it can make conveying highly technical or detailed course material a challenge, particularly where emphasis is placed on group work or exercises at the expense of more traditional forms of instruction, like lectures and reading.
Another potential disadvantage of a student-centred approach to training is that the onus often falls on the instructor to motivate their students during classes and lectures. This differs dramatically from the discipline typically expected in learning environments with a teacher-centred approach.
Resulting from this is another downside of this form of instruction; with younger students especially, classroom management can become a challenge for teachers utilising a student-centred approach to teaching. This is especially true when pupils are encouraged to collaborate on tasks and assessments, which can be tricky for educators to navigate.
Principles of the student-centred learning
Focus on individual needs
Something that students tend to appreciate about learner-centred teaching is the focus it places on their individual needs and preferences as students. Taking a one-size-fits-all approach to education is inefficient and outdated; learners can vary drastically in how they analyse and absorb information.
Active participation
Perhaps the greatest strength of student-centred teaching is the way in which it enhances student engagement through active participation. Gone are the days when rote learning and lectures were king; by emphasising the student’s importance in their own education, they are empowered to truly make the most of their learning and grow as individuals in the process.
Moreover, research has demonstrated that providing students with active learning experiences in this sense results in more robust academic performance and higher levels of educational satisfaction, too. So, it’s clear that, while traditional learning approaches may be the norm, they’re far from being optimal in many cases.
Collaboration amongst trainees
One of the ways in which learner-centred learning differs significantly from the classic teacher-centred approach is that it actively encourages trainees to collaborate with their peers as part of the training process. This can be fostered through various groupwork-oriented teaching methods, activities, and exercises, all of which contribute to a learning environment that supports its students, enriched by their cooperation.
This kind of collaborative effort is, in fact, vital to the success of the learner-centric approach. Students can contribute their knowledge as a complement to coursework, discuss past experiences related to the content being taught, and reflect openly on how this information informs their own learning.
How to adopt a learner-centred approach
To illustrate how a learner-centred approach to teaching might be applied in practice, we can use, as an example, instructing employees on advanced project management with the implementation of the following four steps:
1. Assess the learner’s needs
To successfully implement a learner-centred approach in the classroom, carrying out a training needs analysis first is highly recommended. A training needs analysis will highlight learners' existing skills and competencies and allow you to understand any gaps in their knowledge and how these can ultimately be bridged.
Because of this, understanding how to conduct a training needs analysis becomes crucial in introducing a broader student-centred approach to training and education.
2. Develop your own learning and development plan
Upon completing the training needs analysis, a relevant, holistic learning and development plan should be drawn up. This facilitates a broader understanding of any learning and development goals that apply to the cohort and how these might be achieved.
Once the L&D plan has been formulated, it can be implemented in the classroom or learning environment.
3. Implement the student-centred L&D plan
The next step involves employing the learning and development plan in the relevant learning environment. It’s important here to be mindful that adjusting to a student-centred mode of teaching can take some time for educators and students alike.
The L&D plan may require some tailoring or modification as you employ it in practice. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing; after all, at the heart of the student-centred approach to learning is the learner as an individual. It’s best to be receptive and responsive to the needs of students as and when they arise.
4. Analyse the results of your learning process
Finally, it’s important to take stock of the learning and development plan's success in practice. You can base this on qualitative data like test results, comparing them to learning outcomes achieved by pupils before adopting a student-centred approach, for example.
It’s worth noting here that a significant indicator of a learner-centred approach's success (or failure) is the subjective satisfaction of students, employees, and trainees. Feedback forms can be a handy way to gauge your L&D plan's effectiveness.
Examples of learner-centred activities
At the core of student-centred learning is an array of activities and exercises that encourage pupils to take a truly active role in their own education. Ideally, a number of the following will be incorporated into any learner-centric course or curriculum:
Group projects
One of the quintessential student-centred activities is assigning students, employees, or trainees group projects for them to complete as part of their education.
Group projects are notorious for the conflicts that can arise between learners; this is one of the potential challenges that instructors might face in implementing them into their course design. Nevertheless, group work is, in general, an excellent tool for aiding students in developing their communication and conflict-resolution skills.
Student presentations
Presentations can be, frankly, unnerving for many. But, by engaging students in crafting their own presentations and playing an active role in providing their peers with feedback and constructive criticism, an environment is created where a number of soft skills can be refined simultaneously. Students learn how to prepare and deliver an excellent presentation – a highly desirable ability in various occupations and fields – and how to mentor one another on their shared learning journey.
Additionally, placing students outside their comfort zone by requiring them to deliver presentations to their class is an excellent way of helping them develop new skills related to managing stress and uncomfortable situations.
Contests
Planning and running student-led contests can be a powerful way of driving engagement and keeping pupils motivated. Working with students to agree on the nature of the contest and the prize can help give them a sense of agency and purpose in their own learning. Moreover, healthy competition is often a key factor in compelling students to work harder academically and can be a fantastic way to see improved assessment scores.
Of course, it’s worth remembering that less competitive learners may find contests uninteresting or even demoralising. So, as the teacher, it’s vital to ensure that activities such as these don’t get ‘out of hand’ or unfriendly.
Debating
One of the most stimulating forms of promoting discussion and rhetorical skills in any learning environment is the ancient art of debating. Whether planned or an organic part of the lesson, a debate between students can offer an opportunity to promote learning in a deeply interactive and engaging manner with minimal reliance on the teacher to drive things forward.
Beyond that, debating is a fantastic way to encourage employees and students to develop and refine their critical thinking skills. It forces learners to evaluate evidence, analyse arguments put forward by their opposition on the fly, and quickly formulate an effective rebuttal. These skills are in high demand across just about all sectors of employment, making them well worth developing.
Role-playing
As the name suggests, role play encourages learners to take on the role of someone other than themselves. As a slightly more abstract activity, this can challenge less creative students. However, it is still a stimulating developmental exercise that sees learners push their boundaries and explore the lives and realities of people other than themselves.
Role-playing can be a fantastic way to help employees and trainees explore real-world problems in a safe, risk-free environment. Beyond that, it enables students to see the perspectives of other learners from different perspectives, allowing them to develop a greater sense of empathy and understanding for others.
If your organisation needs to develop a learner-centred training programme for your workforce, talk to us at PLUS UTS to find out how we can help.
