What empowers your child’s learning ability? Flexibility, interest, or relevance. The answer varies, depending on the child’s personality. Two kinds of learning hone the child’s abilities: learner-centric and teacher-centric. An International school in Tokyo, like Global IB School, prefers to follow a learner-centric approach.
Let’s learn what it is and how it impacts the child’s abilities.
A learner-centred environment facilitates leadership skills among the students and makes them feel independent. It is the student who chooses what and how to learn. It all happens under the supervision of an instructor.
The process is designed so the children can learn the best.
However, in teacher-centric, the focus is completely on the educator. Both the approaches have their differences, similarities, etc. let’s learn about them in detail.
What is a teacher-centred approach?
In a teacher-centred classroom approach, the instructor takes centre stage and focuses completely on the educator. The teacher gives instructions and does almost all the talking while the students remain silent and listen to them. The child is encouraged to participate in the activities, but the teacher-student collaboration is missing in the teacher centred approach.
Characteristics of a teacher-centred classroom
In this approach, the full control lies in the hand of the teacher, and the activities are completed in their presence. Therefore, the classroom remains in order, and students stay quiet. One benefit of a teacher-centred approach is that since the teacher is conducting all the activities, there is no chance of missing any important material or content.
However, the traditional approach comes with a set of disadvantages too. It hinders the communication and collaborative skills of the students, and it creates monotony in the classroom, making the class boring and pressurising. The approach is less powerful in making students learn the concepts because their focus gets disturbed. Even the students start fearing the teacher and are hesitant to express themselves. This approach discourages the children from asking logical questions.
What is a learner-centred approach?
In a teacher-centred approach, the teacher plays a pivotal role in the classroom. However, the students and teacher have an equal focus on student-centred learning. The student-teacher collaboration is common, and here the learners don’t play the role of mute spectators; instead, they communicate and collaborate.
Characteristics of student-centred learning
One of the main benefits of the student-centred classroom is it helps the students to gain confidence, imbibe communication skills, and learn on their own through group work.
Additionally, it gives learners the freedom to ask logical questions from the teacher. Such a class is far from boring. The learners and educators remain enthusiastic during the learning process, so the students learn and retain better.
Further, it matches the learning style of the different students.
Similarities between teacher-centred and Student-centred approaches
● Both teacher-centred and student-centred approaches use these methods in the classroom to improve the student’s learning process.
● In both approaches, the education is conducted under the supervision of the learner and the knowledge is imparted effectively.
Differences between student and teacher-centric approach
Here we have created a tabulated form about teacher centred versus student-centred learning.
Benefits of a Teacher-Centred Classroom
● In a teacher-centred approach, the classroom stays orderly and quiet because the educator has full responsibility.
● Since students learn on their own; hence they stay independent.
● Since all the responsibility falls on the head of the instructor; hence there is no chance of missing the topic.
● With this approach, it becomes easy to achieve academic goals.
● The approach may seem psychologically sound because it is conducted under the instruction of an expert teacher.
● The subject matter is logically arranged.
Benefits of a student-centred classroom
● The students learn important skills through collaboration and group efforts.
● The students direct the learning process, ask questions and do the tasks independently.
● The classroom is not boring, and students absorb more due to the interactive teaching methods.
● The personalised approach is developed between teachers and students.
● There is a deep connection between student interests and school curriculum.
● Learning plans are created to suit the individual student’s interest.
● Flexibility and adaptability are the main benefits of this approach.
● The approach helps the students to learn and adjust to the different environments.
● The students can learn from their mistakes.
● It develops critical thinking among the students.
● It teaches the students specific learning techniques that improve their learning process.
● The students introspect where they went wrong, boosting their self-reflection skills.
Conclusion
Since both techniques have advantages, you might be confused about which one to select. An answer is a student-centric approach. The student-centric approach is the best because it eliminates the child’s resistance and makes him feel confident.
The international school in Tokyo, the Global IB School, follows this approach and encourages students’ expression and communication ability by providing them with the right learning environment. Our school helps prompt the learners to learn progressively.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the types of learner-centered curricula?
Types of learner-centered curricula include problem-based learning, project-based learning, and inquiry-based learning. These approaches prioritize student engagement, collaboration, and critical thinking, aligning with the learner-centred approach.
Are there specific subjects or disciplines where one approach tends to be more effective than the other?
Yes, certain subjects or disciplines may benefit more from a teacher-centered approach, like foundational subjects requiring direct instruction, while student-centered approaches are often more effective for creative or critical thinking subjects like art or philosophy.
How does student-centred learning promote critical thinking skills?
Student-centered learning promotes critical thinking by empowering students to actively engage in their education. It encourages inquiry, problem-solving, and collaboration, fostering independence and deeper understanding of subjects.
