learnercentered

Learner-centered, also called learner-centered education or student-centered learning, is an approach to teaching that places the learner at the center of the educational process. It emphasizes learners' active participation, prior knowledge, interests, and needs, with the teacher acting as a facilitator rather than sole source of information. The aim is to support meaningful learning and the development of self-regulated learning skills.

Key principles include active engagement, task relevance, collaboration, accommodation of diverse learners, and assessment designed to guide learning (formative). Instruction is often differentiated, with choices in tasks, pacing, and modalities. The approach supports autonomy, reflection, and the ability to apply knowledge in real-world contexts.

The approach has roots in constructivist theories of learning, humanistic psychology, and sociocultural perspectives. Practices commonly associated with learner-centered pedagogy include inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, problem-based learning, collaborative learning, flipped classrooms, and reflective assessment. Technology can support personalization and access to resources.

Outcomes and considerations: when well implemented, learner-centered approaches can improve motivation, autonomy, critical thinking, and transfer of knowledge. However, implementations vary in effectiveness, and challenges include large class sizes, time constraints, and the need for teacher training, careful curriculum alignment, and assessment design to ensure learning goals are met and equity is maintained.

Related concepts include student-centered learning and person-centered education.