Definitions, Reasons, and Premises
Definition of "Learner Centered"
The perspective that couples a focus on individual learners (their heredity, experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, talents, interests, capacities, and needs) with a focus on learning (the best available knowledge about learning and how it occurs and about teaching practices that are most effective in promoting the highest levels of motivation, learning, and achievement for all learners). This dual focus then informs and drives educational decision making. The learner-centered perspective is a reflection of the twelve learner-centered psychological principles in the programs, practices, policies, and people that support learning for all.
Definition of Learner-Centered Education
Learner-centered education places the student at the center of education. It begins with understanding the educational contexts from which a student comes. It continues with the instructor evaluating the student's progress towards learning objectives. By helping the student acquire the basic skills to learn, it ultimately provides a basis for learning throughout life. It therefore places the responsibility for learning on the student, while the instructor assumes responsibility for facilitating the student’s education. This approach strives to be individualistic, flexible, competency-based, varied in methodology and not always constrained by time or place.
(Arizona Faculties Council (AFC))
What is the Difference between "Student Centered" and Learner Centered"?
It depends -- on perspective and timing. Both terms have been used during the 1990s but there seems to be a shift to "learner" from "student." We are all learners (student, faculty, citizen) and the term is more inclusive. Some say student centered focuses more on the support services (e.g., getting enrolled, getting advised) and learner centered focuses more on the actual learning processes and class activities. Both cover all aspects and allow for much broader definitions of the learning environment.
(From Learner Centered Definitions for AZ Learner Centered Leaning Project)
Why learner centered?
The evidence is abundant and accumulating that motivation, learning, and achievement are enhanced where learner-centered principles and practices are in place—practices that address the personal domain, which is often ignored.
The benefits of learner-centered practice extend to students, teachers, administrators, parents, and all other participants in the educational system.
The changes in our society necessitate a change in the role and function of schools so that they better meet the needs of the learner as a whole person, whether that person is a student, teacher, administrator, or parent.
Change itself requires a transformation in thinking (and thus a process of learning); this transformation can be facilitated by an understanding of basic principles about learning and learners.
Premises of the Learner-Centered Model
- Learners are distinct and unique. Their distinctiveness and uniqueness must be attended to and taken into account if learners are to engage in and take responsibility for their own learning.
- Learners' unique differences include their emotional states of mind, learning rates, learning styles, stages of development, abilities, talents, feelings of efficacy, and other academic and nonacademic attributes and needs. These must be taken into account if all learners are to be provided with the necessary challenges and opportunities for learning and self-development.
- Learning is a constructive process that occurs best when what is being learned is relevant and meaningful to the learner and when the learner is actively engaged in creating his or her own knowledge and understanding by connecting what is being learned with prior knowledge and experience.
- Learning occurs best in a positive environment, one that contains positive interpersonal relationships and interactions, that contains comfort and order, and in which the learner feels appreciated, acknowledged, respected, and validated.
- Learning is a fundamentally natural process; learners are naturally curious and basically interested in learning about and mastering their world. Although negative thoughts and feelings sometimes interfere with this natural inclination and must be dealt with, the learner does not require "fixing."
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Last Modified:
03/28/07
