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Nwanganga Ubosi Post 1

• 25 July 2020, 8:15 PM

Learner Centered Learning

Learner-centered education is the teaching methods that use interactive approach to engage the learners and develop their abilities. This educational strategy aids learners to build up skills that are relevant to the labour requirements of nowadays.

Studies by Weimer (2002) stated that learner-centered teaching approach places the emphasis on the person who is doing the learning and this strategy of teaching is increasingly being encouraged in education. Future, some of the characteristics of learner-centered teaching is that it focuses on the process of learning that engages the learners, increase their problem solving and thinking abilities, increase their creative abilities as well as encouraging collaboration.

The role of the teacher in the learner-centered model is like that of a farmer or gardener that provides conditions necessary for plants to flourish. In a nut shell the teacher in learner-centered model is there to facilitate learning.

However, this learning approach does not have much discipline as the traditional method and if not properly handled could cause too much independence that can disrupt learning.

In line with the above statement is submission by Weimer (2002) who recognized five key areas for modification in the process of conversion from teacher centered to learner-centered study environment: power balance, the role of content, teachers function, the learning responsibility as well as the purpose and assessment process.


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Michele Deane Post 2 in reply to 1

• 27 July 2020, 8:21 PM • Edited by the author on 27 July 2020, 8:22 PM

Nwanganga, I have responded to this message already. See : https://www.open.edu/openlearncreate/mod/forumng/discuss.php?d=2976


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Kris Stutchbury Post 3 in reply to 1

• 30 July 2020, 4:56 PM

Nwanganga - you raise an important issue. One definition of LCE that I have found is that it is a form of learning that demands more from the learner. I have not found this to be very helpful as it can be misinterpreted as teachers not having much to do! However, I think it does help in that it reminds us that LCE is quite a change for learners. They have to work harder - which is why it is potentially more effective. Some might resit that - they need help in adapting, and teacher should not be discouraged if learners are initially reluctant to engage. 

MY PASSPORT PHOTO

Gladys Rotich Post 4 in reply to 3

• 31 July 2020, 8:45 AM

To my understanding, for learner centered teaching to be effective, a teacher needs a lot of preparation, in fact it is much work for the teacher. a teacher should deeply reflect ( knowledge depth and knowledge creation) on activities which are appropriate and instill the learners to be critical thinkers. the lesson should involve case studies, practical and demonstration ,experiments...and the learners will own the results and ready to implement in the community.

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Aminu Rufai Post 5 in reply to 3

• 2 August 2020, 9:34 PM

The teacher has a lot of work in learner centered because the teacher plans,lead,direct  and  explains more if need be 

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Sandra Amos Post 6 in reply to 5

• 3 August 2020, 9:06 AM

I don't think it's always the case Aminu. A teacher who has a teacher-centred approach and who just delivers information has a lot of preparation to do, and they do all the work in the lesson whilst the students are passive receivers.  Teachers who use activities still have the same preparation work. Student-centred teachers will be more concerned about the students' learning and monitoring for difficulties. They would intervene to support those who were having difficulties. A teacher-centred teacher would not be focused on this but would perhaps more concerned about the management of time and resources. In other words, they would spend their time differently. 

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John Mtenje Post 8 in reply to 5

• 3 August 2020, 2:32 PM

You have raised an important aspect of LCE. most often teachers think that in LCE, learners need little guidance but the opposite is true because if the teacher is to achieve the learning outcomes then he/she needs careful planning and engagement of the learners.

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Emmanuel Ahumuza Post 9 in reply to 5

• 3 August 2020, 3:46 PM

Shouldn't the teacher have that work?

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Patriciah Wambugu Post 7 in reply to 3

• 3 August 2020, 10:04 AM

I agree with you Kris. The learner takes the responsibility of their own learning. However, it requires alot planning from the side of the teacher. I actually found out that in the beginning my students resisted but later they realized that  they were actively involved and were motivated to work on the activities.

Another important thing is that the teacher needs to write the learning outcomes with the student in mind.  

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Jacob Ngandu Post 10 in reply to 1

• 4 August 2020, 11:06 AM

What you have said is very true. 

Just like you have pointed out, this approach though very good can pose a danger in class if not well managed in that the learners may get out of control.

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Helen Hendry Post 11 in reply to 10

• 5 August 2020, 5:00 PM

I think you are right Jacob that the teachers must organise the activities and have clear expectations to help the class keep on track. However, I think that if the activities are engaging with the necessary resources and have a clear purpose and if the teacher explains what is expected clearly and the students understand their role there should not be any problems with behaviour.

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Bonface Nabwoba Post 12 in reply to 1

• 15 August 2020, 12:45 PM

Kris, Patricia and Gladys, I agree with you. LCE requires lots of preparation from the teacher, perhaps after some time the flow becomes smooth? When the learners have adapted and the teacher has prepared quite a number of lessons?

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Chimdiebere Joseph Post 13 in reply to 1

• 26 August 2020, 9:54 PM

This is very true. The learner- centered education also helps  the learners to develop their skills effectively and brings out the best in them. It focuses more on the learners, ensuring that they get the best, our of the learning.

The teacher does the best, to nurture the learners, providing all the conditions that are necessary for them to flourish and become better learners.