The Benefits of Student Centered Learning

Written By Colēgia

Student engagement is more important than ever and teachers recognize this. Reasons like this are why we need to make a conscious effort to focus on ways to promote this type of engagement. One method is to focus on student centered learning. Today we want to take some time to understand the benefits of this teaching method.

2019_4_11_ACADEMICAPROMO_SOMERSETGABLESWEST_BL (73).JPG

What Is Student Centered Learning?

Student centered learning, or SCL, is a teaching method that involves giving students more agency to carve their educational path. Defined by the specific type of content they learn and how they learn it, student centered learning offers new avenues for pursuing a students favorite subjects. Compared to traditional schooling, this gives students the means to decide how to track their educational journey while offering a new sense of flexibility. Student centered learning still offers a curriculum to be followed but with more of an emphasis on group related projects. This type of collaboration can be helpful as it strengthens bonds along with giving a practical experience with working in others in a similar field of study.

“Student centered learning, or SCL, is a teaching method that involves giving students more agency to carve their educational path.”

2019_4_9_ACADEMICAPROMO_IMATERMH_BL (55).JPG

Engagement and Interest

When it comes to learning, we need to keep in mind that every student is different and SCL understands this. Part of learning involves knowing what interests you as an individual along with being able to follow through on that. Lack of interest can easily be attributed to the manner in which students are exposed to certain topics. This can be due to lack of engagement for the subject material itself and how relevant it is to a students career path. A good example of this would be a heavy amount of mandatory science classes for a student whose main desire is to go into a fine arts related field. While having knowledge for this may be helpful, it may not necessarily be practical or even conducive to the skillset needed for these types of courses. This isn't to say that a well-rounded education shouldn't be emphasized, rather it should allow for more options from the outset to guide a student down the path that is right for them.

“When it comes to learning, we need to keep in mind that every student is different and SCL understands this.”

2019_04_09_SOMSHOE_PROMO_KC (118).JPG

Rethinking Education

A great benefit of student centered learning is the ability to rethink how we view education. Many schools opt for teacher centered teaching as it's primary means of conveying subjects. With the focus being on students, teachers can opt to act as a mentor for students along with giving them the tools needed to be self sufficient. A key concept that student centered learning enables is the ability to develop critical thinking skills. This translates well for life after school as there won't necessarily be a clear cut answer to problems. By adopting this perspective shift early, it can prepare students for any obstacle that comes their way while also being able to ask for help when the need arises.

Student centered learning may not be the right path for every student, but it is something worth considering to help promote more interest in the classroom. Small things such as taking a day that focuses on SCL can be used to see how both students and teachers react to the change and find something that works for both sides.

Colēgia

Colēgia

Previous

Motivation and Positive Mental Habits
Next

Why We Need To Read Outside of School