1. Learner-Centred Approaches
Amrita E-learning Research Lab

2. Learner-Centred Approaches
What is learner-centred teaching?
Why do we need learner-centred approaches?
What are the characteristics of learner-centred approaches?
Some learner-centred methods and examples

3. What is Learner-Centred Teaching?
Teacher-led pedagogy - ‘lecturing, note-taking, and memorizing information for later reproduction’
Learner-centred approach shifts the focus of activity from the teacher to the learners
Emphasizes what the learners do as against what the teacher does
Based on constructivist theories
Learners are not passive recipients of information; they construct and reconstruct knowledge in order to learn
Quote from (MacLellan & Soden 2004, p. 254)

4. Why do we need Learner-Centred Teaching ?
Research shows that learner-centered methods lead to
Increased student engagement with the content
Deep learning
Long term retention
Acquisition of critical thinking or creative problem-solving skills
Positive attitude toward the subject being taught
Confidence in knowledge or skills

5. Characteristics of Learner-Centred Teaching
Five practices that need to change:
The functions of content
The role of the teacher
The responsibility for learning
The processes and purposes of evaluation
The balance of power
Weimer, M. (2002). Learner-centered teaching. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.

6. Methods
Learner-centred teaching does not employ a single teaching method.
Emphasizes a variety of methods that shift the role of the instructors from givers of information to facilitators of student learning.

7. Some learner-centred methods
Active learning
Students solve problems, answer questions, formulate questions of their own, discuss, explain, debate, or brainstorm during class
Cooperative learning
Students work in teams on problems and projects under conditions that assure both positive interdependence and individual accountability
Inductive teaching and learning
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, and just-in-time teaching. 

8. Some learner-centred methods Flipped Classrooms
Inverts traditional classroom teaching methods
Delivers instruction outside of class
Activities, discussions, “homework” in class

9. Dr. Sugata Mitra’s Hole-in-the-Wall Project

10. Self-Organized Learning Environments (SOLE)
Children group around Internet-equipped computers to discuss big questions.
The teacher merges into the background and observes as learning happens.

11. The School in the Cloud
Cloud-based, scalable approaches to self-directed learning.

12. References