Whether you’ve been tutoring for a couple of weeks or more than a decade, you probably know that every student learns various concepts differently. At times, it goes way deeper than changing the teaching method. You need to empower your students to lead in teaching to create a conducive learning environment. In this article, we are going to dive into student-centered learning and explore its key benefits and the best tips to implement this effective teaching strategy.
Defining student-centered approach
As the name suggests, this is an instructional approach that focuses more on the student than the teacher. Students take a role in the classroom setting to improve their learning experiences. Students get education at their own pace. This helps them:
- Develop transferable skills and improve them
- Build independence
- Communicate effectively
- Learn through inquiry
When you allow students to take control, it will increase their engagement in class because they’ll approach the curriculum with curiosity and real-life examples. In this environment, tutors facilitate, guide, and encourage learners by giving them alternative homework. Tutors don’t act as gatekeepers of information. Instead, they become a source for students to get and understand information.
When tutors include students in the planning process, their personal needs will be addressed. And this will motivate them to participate, learn and engage with others.
Importance of student-centered approach
Student-centered approach plays an important role especially in STEM Disciplines in Architecture because it focuses on the individual needs of students, and their different learning styles and keeps them engaged in the learning process.
By focusing on the needs of students, they get to learn at their own pace and make decisions that propel them towards their goals. A student-centered education center prioritizes personalized learning and opens up a wide range of opportunities for students to make decisions about how they’ll share, express, and improve their learning. This helps in highlighting the individual strengths of students, encourages group learning, and creates a conducive environment to learn. As a college student, you can look at STEM education essays to be more connected to your thoughts and emotions, and be motivated to learn and develop important life skills.
Benefits of student-centered approach in STEM
STEM students and tutors are enjoying lots of benefits by introducing a student-centered learning environment in college. Some of these benefits include:
1. Improvement in student participation
Student-centered approach creates a conducive and collaborative environment that learners can easily participate in without fear. STEM students are usually encouraged to think analytically and critically about various concepts and demonstrate their understanding practically. When student-centered learning is integrated here, learners get to understand and share their knowledge with colleagues. When tutors change the class arrangement, students will feel motivated to share their experiences with peers. Further, having a choice in the space and style of learning will make students more comfortable participating in actively.
2. A strong bond between tutors and students
Most tutors don’t have a strong relationship with their students. However, student-centered learning strengthens this bond as the two parties get to learn from each other. Tutors play the role of guiding and mentoring students while trusting and supporting individual learning strategies and approaches to help students get good grades. On the other hand, students get to communicate with tutors effectively to ensure that they achieve their goals.
3. Preparation for challenges in the real world
When students are empowered to take responsibility for their learning journey, they will focus on their preferred learning style, needs, and interests. Allowing learners to discover various contexts will help them understand the challenges facing people across the world and come up with effective solutions. Students will also bring their knowledge and personal backgrounds to class thus making the environment more inclusive.
4. Know how students understand concepts
When tutors give students choices in class, they will easily demonstrate their knowledge which will enable tutors to understand their learning methods. Students who have a strong connection to knowledge and a deeper understanding of various concepts are more likely to enjoy the learning process and get good grades.
Conclusion
With all the benefits of student-centered approach, now is the best time to start using this approach in class. Implementing this approach takes time and energy. It’s not a teaching method that can be implemented in a day. Therefore, you need to prepare learners to ensure that they make use of all the learning opportunities that they’ll have. STEM courses are quite complex. Using the student-centered learning approach focuses on practical learning which is essential for grasping key concepts. As a student, don’t be afraid to consult your tutor or online expert when you need help.
Author Bio:
Hayden Reyes is a leading writer and editor in the field of education. He is a champion of self-centered learning and has helped hundreds of students graduate successfully. He is passionate about interacting with people and traveling.
