Resources:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvzVAQkuSqU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l6wnTBuXm4
https://www.studentachievementsolutions.com/student-centered-and-peer-learning-opportunities-for-esl-students/

 

There are many advantages with this model such as:

1.     Increases Engagement 

2.     Develops Practical Skills 

3.     Acknowledges Learning Styles 

4.     Encourages Teamwork and Collaboration 

However, there are also some disadvantages with this type of learning:

1.     Independent Students 

2.     Teacher Preparation 

3.     Classroom Management 

4.     Student Preparedness

 

A Student-Centered Learning classroom should be bright, open and inviting, with natural light and comfortable furniture. Giving that feel of relaxation and not be congested.  The classroom should be designed to facilitate collaboration and movement, with flexible seating options such as bean bags. An area in the classroom should be designated to display students’ achievement and work. Different types of Technology (Laptops, tablets, interactive devices) should be readily available. The teacher should also have access to these technology in order to facilitate Student Centered Learning. The classroom should also have other resources, such as books, games, and puzzles, to encourage students to think critically and become active learners. As a teacher I would try to incorporate gamification elements to make learning more fun and engaging. 

 

Some Student-Centered Learning Based on or Require Collaboration:

a)     Online Forums- Examples discussion boards or live Collaboration software (e.g., Blackboard) wikis

b)     Phenomenon- Based Learning- lessons are often structured around working together to investigate phenomena.

c)     Problem- Based Learning – Medical schools are the masters of collaborative learning. This makes sense, as doctors often work in teams with other medical professionals such as radiologists, anesthesiologists, and physical therapists to devise treatment regimens for patients.

d)     Multiplayer Game- Based learning- Teachers can incorporate a game-based platform like Minecraft, that is a really good thing. As soon as the students hear the words “game” and “Minecraft,” interest will skyrocket.

e)     Service-Learning Projects- are projects where students go out into their communities and work on projects to help support and improve their communities.

 

As there are many advantages Collaborative Learning, there are also some weaknesses and Assessment Inequities will be at the top of the list. Assessment is always difficult with group work. However, there are still ways to implement assessments that can help enhance student- Centered Learning;

 

1.     Self-Assessment – The use of Rubrics and Checklist 

2.     Peer Assessment – The Ladder of Feedback Technique 

3.     Process Portfolios - A process portfolio is a purposeful collection of student work that documents student growth from novice to master. Successful process portfolios actively engage students in their creation, especially in determining their goals, selecting work to be included, and reflecting on how each piece demonstrates progress toward their goals. 

4.     Exhibitions - Exhibitions are summative assessments, but the process of building up to a final exhibition includes ongoing assessment, feedback, and revision

 

Some approaches Teachers can use to address Differentiation in their classrooms are as follow:

a)     Flexible- Pace Learning - Using a flexible approach to time-based tasks, however, faster students are given the facility to complete extension tasks, and it gives other pupils an opportunity to complete their exercise at a more comfortable speed.

b)     Collaborative Learning - Allocating roles to each member of the group can also help pupils organize themselves according to their different skills and capabilities. This gives less able students a way to add value and generates more confidence.

c)     Progressive tasks – It Is possible for teachers to set separate work or exercises to different students based on their abilities. Allowing students with a slower pace of learning to work at their own speed, it also gives a vehicle for more academically able students to progress to the more challenging questions more quickly.

d)     Digital Resources - This method of differentiation allows different materials, platforms and tools to be used to bring about the same learning outcome, and give pupils confidence in their digital skills.

e)     Verbal support – Teachers can identify different learning abilities and adapt their vocal explanation and support to different academic levels. Using targeted questioning can produce different responses in pupils of different learning profiles.

f)      Variable Outcomes- Students of different abilities will arrive at outcomes that match their level of understanding and learning.

g)     Ongoing Assessment - With an interactive front-of-class display like the ActivPanel, teachers can perform anonymous or open polls, end-of-class assessments and pop quizzes.

 

Student- Centered approaches that include Physical movement are a form of kinesthetic learning that can be very effective, especially when introducing new concepts. Some student- Centered approaches or methods which has physical movement are:

a)     Kinesthetic Learning- This method encourages students to use their bodies—by touching, moving, and manipulating objects—to explore and understand concepts

b)     Action-Based Learning- It encourages students to actively engage in the learning process by engaging in physical activities. Students can use movement to explore ideas, create projects, and complete tasks.

c)     Active Learning - emphasizes that students are involve in the learning process. It often involves physical movement, such as role-playing, group activities, and hands-on experiments.

d)     Experiential Learning - encourages students to learn through personal experience. This approach often includes physical activities, such as field trips and simulations, to help students gain a better understanding of the material.

 

References: 

 

1.     https://helpfulprofessor.com/collaborative-learning-examples/

2.     https://studentsatthecenterhub.org/resource/assessment/

3.     https://resourced.prometheanworld.com/differentiation-classroom-7-methods-differentiation/

4.     https://www.cultofpedagogy.com/do-something/

5.     https://hes-extraordinary.com/kinesthetic-learning-activities

6.     https://www.abllab.com/

7.     https://study.com/academy/lesson/action-based-learning-concept-activities.html

8.     https://learninginnovation.duke.edu/resources/art-and-science-of-teaching/active-learning-techniques-classroom/

9.     https://www.nactateachers.org/images/Jun13_3-Student-centered_Teaching_through_Experiential_Learning_and_its_Assessment.pdf

10.   https://www.niu.edu/citl/resources/guides/instructional-guide/experiential-learning.shtml

11.   https://xqsuperschool.org/rethinktogether/what-is-student-centered-learning

12.   https://www.esu-online.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/2010-T4SCL-Stakeholders-Forum-Leuven-An-Insight-Into-Theory-And-Practice.pdf

13.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7n2hCebmT4c&t=187s

14.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2N1I6sOhDiw&t=18s

References:
Green, C. & Harrington, C. (2020). Student-centered learning: In principle and in practice. Lansing, MI: Michigan Virtual University. Available from https://michiganvirtual.org/research/publications/student-centered-learning-in-principle-and-in-practice/


Whitney P. Gordon

Special Education and English teacher; Ed.S. in Teacher Leadership, Thomas University, GA  February 28, 2020
https://www.teachhub.com/professional-development/2020/02/how-to-use-student-assessments-in-your-classroom/

References:
The Importance of Student Choice Across All Grade Levels: By Stephen Merrill, Sarah Gonser, September 16, 2021 https://www.edutopia.org/article/importance-student-choice-across-all-grade-levels/

What is Universal Design for Learning (UDL)? 
By Amanda Morin. https://www.understood.org/en/articles/universal-design-for-learning-what-it-is-and-how-it-works

4 Principles of a Universal Design for Learning Approach 
By Sarah Schwartz, February 4, 2022 https://www.edutopia.org/article/4-principles-universal-design-learning-approach/