studentcentred

Student-centred learning is an educational approach that treats the learner as an active participant in the learning process. It prioritizes students’ interests, prior knowledge, and learning goals, and seeks to tailor instruction to individual or group needs rather than delivering content through a uniform, teacher-led sequence.

Key elements include learner autonomy, collaborative and active learning, and personalized or differentiated instruction. The teacher acts as facilitator, guide, or mentor, designing experiences, questions, and assessments that empower students to explore, reflect, and apply knowledge. Assessment emphasizes formative feedback, self- and peer-assessment, and demonstration of understanding through authentic tasks rather than rote testing.

Common methods used to implement student-centred learning include project-based learning, problem-based or inquiry-based learning, and collaborative work in teams. Learning activities are often experiential, contextualized, and paced to student readiness. Technology can support personalization, access to resources, and flexible collaboration, while Universal Design for Learning helps ensure accessibility.

Advantages reported include increased motivation, deeper understanding, transfer of knowledge to new situations, and development of critical thinking and communication skills. Effectiveness depends on alignment of goals, assessment, and instruction, as well as teacher preparation and school culture. Challenges include higher planning demands, potential inequities if resources are uneven, and navigating assessment systems that favour standardized testing.

The concept has roots in educational theories such as constructivism and progressive education, with influences from approaches that emphasize student agency and active learning in diverse classroom settings.