What is learner centered instruction?
Learner centred instruction is an approach which emphasizes active students’ participation during the learning process. Students assume their responsibility as builders of knowledge and skills by solving problems, formulating and answering questions in a critical and creative form, participating in role –plays and performances, working cooperatively, and the like. Knowledge is not provided directly by the teacher, but it is discovered and constructed by students since this approach is based on the constructivist theory. The main goal of Learner centered instruction is that students obtain meaningful and authentic learning. For these reason it takes into account positive interdependence, individual accountability and promotive interaction.
What is the main role of the teacher in LCI?
The main role of the teacher is of “facilitator” rather than provider of knowledge. The instructor has to create an appropriate environment to foster students learning, include different learning styles, encourage learners to take responsibility for their own learning, apply a diversity of techniques for students learning goals, propose activities in which students interact with the material, the teacher and their classmates, and inspire and motivate learners’ ownership of learning.
Explain the 4 key principles of student centered learning.
The four principles of student centered learning are:
· Learning is personalized: in order to obtain better results, teachers have to considerate their students`learning styles to propose activities .
· Learning is competency – based: It is important to take into account students’ needs, interests, challenges and lacks. IN this way the learners feel important and involved in the process.
· Learning happens anytime, anywhere: learning does not come only from, or happens in the classroom. It is essential to take advantage of all the resources, places and materials, situations to promote meaningful and authentic learning.
· Students take ownership: an important issue is give freedom to students in order for them to make their own decision regarding some matters. For example, type of material to read, the topic about to write, or the song they have to talk about. So, the students feel their interests and preferences are considered and valued.