The Student-Centered Classroom By: Allison Grotz

What is a student – centered classroom? Student-centered teaching methods shift the focus of activity from the teacher to the learners. These methods include: active learning, in which students solve problems, answer questions, formulate questions of their own, discuss, explain, debate, or brainstorm during class cooperative learning, in which students work in teams on problems and projects under conditions that assure both positive interdependence and individual accountability inductive teaching and learning, in which students are first presented with challenges (questions or problems) and learn the course material in the context of addressing the challenges. includes inquiry-based learning, case-based instruction, problem- based learning, project-based learning, discovery learning (Dr. Felder, 2014)

What is a student – centered classroom? This term refers to instructional methods and classroom cultures that take individual students and their interests, needs, and experiences into consideration when teaching and testing for understanding. (Fox & Hoffman, 2011, p. 23) In differentiated classrooms, it is not unusual to see “students moving around the room, leading discussions, giving presentations, and working on teams to solve creative problems. (Fox & Hoffman, 2011, p. 3)

In a student-centered class, at different times, students may be working alone, in pairs, or in groups: Working alone, preparing ideas or making notes before a discussion, doing a listening task, doing a short written assignment, or doing grammar or vocabulary exercise Working together in pairs or groups, comparing and discussing their answers, or reading and reacting to one another’s written work and suggesting improvements Working together in discussions or in role-plays, sharing ideas, opinions, and experiences Interacting with the teacher and the whole class, asking questions or brainstorming ideas

Also in a student-centered class, students may be teacher- led: Before students work together, their teacher will help them prepare to work together with explanations and pronunciation practice. While students are working together, their teacher will be available to give advice and encouragement. After they’ve finished working together, and the class is reassembled, their teacher will give them feedback, offer suggestions and advice, make corrections, and answer questions. (Jones, 2007)

Benefits Student-centered methods have repeatedly been shown to be superior to the traditional teacher-centered approach to instruction, a conclusion that applies whether the assessed outcome is short-term mastery, long-term retention, or depth of understanding of course material, acquisition of critical thinking or creative problem-solving skills, formation of positive attitudes toward the subject being taught, or level of confidence in knowledge or skills. (Dr. Felder, 2014)

Planning Strategies Use a student learning chart when planning lessons Don’t forget to check readiness Use Bloom’s Taxonomy Don’t feel as though planning needs to be perfect Planning should be student focused (Fox & Hoffman, 2011, p. 45)

Strategies (C. Sealfon)

Strategies (C. Sealfon)

Strategies (C. Sealfon)

Strategies (C. Sealfon)

Challenges/Strategies Large Class Sizes - the larger the class, the more necessary it is to have a student-centered class way to give all the students time to speak is by having them work together Keep track of which groups you listen to so no one gets left out may need to rearrange the students and where they sit Seat students close together so they can talk softly and still hear one another Rearrange groups to be near enough for you to overhear as you walk around. (Jones, 2007)

Challenges/Strategies Very Small Class Sizes - students tend to be more teacher-dependent, waiting for praise or encouragement while they talk avoid becoming part of the groups small classes tend to be overly teacher-dependent Encourage students and answer their questions as you move from group to group. (Jones, 2007)

Challenges/Strategies Mixed-Ability Classes – Vary the way you pair your students sometimes put weaker and stronger students together; sometimes group students with others of the same ability. Explain to students the benefits of group work and why the teacher-focused alternative isn’t as effective. Introduce methods gradually for more experienced students who are unused to autonomy (Jones, 2007)

Video Clips/Resources Edweek Article – 5 Ways to Make Your Classroom Student-Centered http://www.edweek.org/tm/articles/2013/12/24/ctq_powell _strengths.html Additional Strategies https://www.facinghistory.org/for-educators/educator- resources/teaching-strategies

Video Clips/Resources TeachingChannel: Strategies for Student-Centered Discussions https://www.teachingchannel.org/videos/strategies-for- student-centered-discussion TED Talk https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_R548hDA0k Student Centered Learning https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N1I6sOhDiw

Next Steps/Goal(s) By April 11th, please review this informational PowerPoint. By April 21st, you will have incorporated at least 1 student-centered lesson into your classroom. By May 12th, you will have incorporated at least 2 student-centered lessons into your classroom.

Help! Feel free to send any questions, comments, or concerns to Allison Grotz (via email, phone, or in- person) I am here to help! In addition, feel free to come stop by and observe a student-centered classroom for yourself!

References Felder, D. (2014). Student-Centered Teaching. Student- Centered Teaching. Retrieved April 2, 2014, from http://www4.ncsu.edu/unity/lockers/users/f/felder/public/Stud ent-Centered.html Fox, J. & Hoffman, W. (2011). The Differentiated Instruction Book of Lists Jones, L. (2007). The Student-Centered Classroom. New York: Cambridge University Press. Sealfon, C. (n.d.). Student-Centered Teaching Methods. Teaching Resources. Retrieved April 2, 2014, from http://www.princeton.edu/cst/teaching- resources/methods/ModifiedPCASTTable.pdf