The idea of a university or a campus classroom has evolved into one that’s stimulating, cooperative and thriving. Faculty isn’t just meant for instruction or examination. They contribute a lot more than that.
Today’s classrooms have faculty who are driven to teach, inspire and mentor. They are confidantes and trusted coaches. Students converse with their teachers, ask them relevant questions and engage in intelligent conversations. To keep up with this shift in classroom teaching, many universities and institutes have adopted student-centric teaching methods.
Read on to discover how student-centric learning methods are a far cry from traditional classroom learning.
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What Is A Learner Centered Method Of Teaching?
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Types Of Student-Centric Teaching Methods
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Advantages Of Learner Centered Teaching Methods
What Is A Learner Centered Method Of Teaching?
Student-centric methods of teaching result in student-driven classrooms. A traditional classroom is one where a teacher gives a lecture and students take notes. However, with student-centric teaching methods, teachers and students contribute equally to the class. These are enriching experiences where students question what they learn, share ideas, discuss with their classmates, communicate their queries without fear and learn together.
For instance, project management students may be divided into groups to find solutions to a workflow problem. They have to build a case study around it, assign roles and come up with viable solutions. This hands-on learner-centered method allows them to learn concepts, frameworks and topics by participation.
Types Of Student-Centric Teaching Methods
Universities follow different student-centric teaching methods based on their learner needs. Faculty is responsible for assessing what their students need to improve and enriching their classroom experience.
Here are the most widely-used learner-centered methods of teaching:
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Project-Based Learning
A project-based teaching method requires students to engage with each other to solve problems or build case studies. They have to dig deeper to understand how best to tackle real-world challenges.
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Active Learning
Active learning promotes in-class participation and it may even involve students teaching a class or their group members. This type of learning encourages conversation and debate that help students be more confident in their speaking skills.
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Collaborative Learning
Collaborative learning is group-based learning where students get together to create questions, solve problems and learn together. It’s a collective effort made to understand complex topics and frameworks. (https://nuttyscientists.com/)
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Cooperative Learning
A part of collaborative learning, in cooperative learning student groups are given a task to complete with defined timelines. It’s more structured and specific in terms of problems or challenges.
These types of learner-centered methods of teaching are a step above traditional classroom teaching. Especially with the onset of online learning, institutes now have the chance to explore different teaching methods to engage and stimulate their students.
Advantages Of Learner Centered Teaching Methods
Student-centric methods of teaching have several advantages that reinforce their importance in today’s classroom. Teachers have to use different teaching styles to encourage students to keep learning. Teaching methods that invite students to participate and contribute keep them actively involved in the process.
Here are some advantages of learner-centered methods of teaching:
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Improves Foundational Skills
Foundational or 21st century skills like effective communication, interpersonal skills, leadership, teamwork and collaboration are highly-valued in the workplace. Students can start early and build these skills as a result of student-centric teaching methods. They can learn to listen well, break down complex problems into smaller chunks and think critically.
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Builds Curiosity
Curiosity is what drives us to break barriers, exceed expectations and reach out for more. When students get to lead a project, they build the curiosity needed to find answers to difficult questions.
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Well-Rounded Learning
Active learning where students are involved every step of the way empowers them to be confident, voice their opinions and come up with new ideas. It’s similar to how team sports can help students build essential skills like teamwork. Well-rounded learning means they learn more than just what their books say. It’s about developing skills, building meaningful relationships and discovering what their goals are.
Creating a positive learning environment for students is of utmost importance. Even more important is equipping faculty with the right set of skills and the mindset to take on a modern classroom.
Harappa’s Inspiring Faculty Program is designed for teachers of tomorrow. We recognize the importance of distinctive faculty to the fabric of an institution. Our program has been built on our 10 on 10 pedagogy that activates learning, cultivates a curiosity to learn and elevates experiences. Your faculty will build 15 essential and must-have Thrive Skills like student centricity to keep their students motivated to learn. Enabling a trust-based and goal-driven dialog with students is the essence of an inspired classroom.
Explore Harappa Diaries to learn more about topics such as The Three Domains Of Bloom’s Taxonomy, Levels Of Bloom’s Taxonomy and What Is Authentic Assessment that will help organizations and institutions tap into people’s potential.