WHY STUDENT-CENTRED EDUCATION IS IMPORTANT FOR MEANINGFUL LEARNING IMPROVEMENT
In modern education, a one-size-fits all approach to teaching and learning is insufficient and no longer acceptable. Effective 21 st century educators have successfully devised differentiated and personalised learning approaches to allow their students to take control of their own learning. Some of these approaches have been named, systematised, and scaled over time.
Building on these approaches, there is a growing believe that a shift to an entirely new education paradigm is attainable. In his book: Reframing Education Outcomes, educational thought leader Yong Zhao articulates for an educational vision in which students are likely to thrive and feel fulfilled. Leveraging on advancement in communication and digital technologies, we can visualise a fundamental shift in how students experience their learning. Specifically, we can visualise a shift to a learner- centred education model which will foster an engaging learning environment.
But what does the movement towards learner-centred education really mean for the many methods for designing learning and differentiating support to students?
Student-centred education is compactible with the implementation of a learning design that is flexible and adaptive. Humans naturally learn, process, and express themselves in different ways. As a result, there is need to integrate flexibility into how learning content is expressed for accessibility; how students are motivated to participate in learning; and how understanding and skill mastery can be shown. Such learning design should be placed within a system that is student-centred, in a way that is relevant, personalised, contextualised, increases learner agency, and extends beyond the walls of the classroom.
Student-centred education is outcome-oriented. It challenges educators and teachers to understand what school is about and what outcomes should serve as a guide. The student-centric approach encourages tutors to co-design (with the learners) flexible and adaptive learning experiences to meet the peculiar needs and unique motivations of individual learners. In April of 2020, the National Conference of State Legislatures and the Nellie Mae Education Foundation reported a large-scale review of Student-centred education related studies. The review concluded that student-centred learning produces measurable benefits.
Student-centred approaches are innovative and provide useful structures that enable educators to implement evidence-based practices, evaluates and respond to student needs, and create accessibility and collaboration in the learning system. At its core, student-centred education shows the learning skills and creativity of students develop significantly, hence, improvement in student learning. The power of this approach may very well spark a foundational transformation of our learning culture.
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