Learner-centred education (LCE) is a policy aspiration across Africa. But the evidence shows that even though it is consistent with well-established principles about the ‘rights of the child’ and ‘quality’ education it is difficult to implement and is often misunderstood (Schweisfurth, 2013). So, what is LCE?

Read these reflections on LCE after you have completed and discussed the quiz

The common misconceptions that usually emerge from the quiz are that a learner-centred approach means that the children are in charge, that if group work is taking place the lesson is learner-centred, and that LCE is not possible in large classes.

In a lesson, the teacher is always in charge! However, that does not mean that the learners are not actively involved, taking responsibility for their own learning by asking questions, seeking help and contributing ideas.

Group work can be learner-centred if it is well-organised: with a clear task, at an appropriate level, with children organised in groups that will support learning. Badly organised or poorly planned group work, with an inappropriate task, is unlikely to support learning and is therefore not learner-centred.

LCE is certainly challenging if you have a large class, as it is difficult to get to know them all. But it is not impossible. Using the teaching approaches in these resources will help you to get to know your learners better.