learnerled

Learnerled is a pedagogical approach in which learners assume primary responsibility for directing their learning processes. In a learnerled setting, students select topics, set goals, design activities, and monitor their progress, while educators act as facilitators, resource providers, and assessors rather than primary directors of the curriculum.

The concept is grounded in constructivist and humanistic theories of education and aligns with student-centered and inquiry-based learning traditions. It emphasizes autonomy, intrinsic motivation, and the development of self-regulation and metacognition.

Key practices include learning contracts or agreements, project-based or inquiry-driven projects, flexibly paced timelines, collaborative work, and ongoing formative assessment that emphasizes demonstrations of understanding rather than standardized tests.

Implementation considerations include ensuring access to diverse resources, providing scaffolding and explicit expectations, training teachers to adopt facilitative roles, and designing fair assessment rubrics. In online or blended environments, digital portfolios and asynchronous collaboration tools are common supports.

Advantages reported in some settings include increased engagement, personalized learning, and the development of transferable skills such as problem solving and initiative. Critics point to potential gaps in content coverage, equity concerns, and the need for substantial teacher preparation and institutional support.

Related concepts include student-centered learning, inquiry-based learning, and project-based learning.