EDLF 345, Spring 2003

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Student-centered learning
Or, How to make these grumpy kids smile for a
change.
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Student-centered learning
Definition Classroom environment Assumptions
Best Practices
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Good question, chum. It refers to a type of
instruction characterized by students abilities
to direct process and outcomes.
Some people think that student-centered learning
results in a more meaningful, deeper, and more
personal understanding of content.
Say, just what is student-centered learning?
So whats the big deal?
You guys are dorks.
Does my hair look funny?
No. It looks just fine, Beatrice.
Definition Classroom environment Assumptions
Best Practices
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• In SCL, the classroom environment must
• Facilitate exploration by encouraging
  risk-taking, collaboration, and planning
• Provide ample experiences for students to
  encounter new information, as well as help in
  making sense of it
• Allow students to personalize their discoveries

Definition Classroom environment Assumptions
Best Practices
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• Assumptions of SCL
• Instruction must reflect how learning occurs
• Learning is complex and layered
• Focus on large, connected themes
• Curriculum must include higher-level habits
• Both student-driven and teacher-driven
  appropriate at times
• Higher cognitive skills stressed

Definition Classroom environment Assumptions
Best Practices
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• SCL best practices
• Encourage both group and individual learning
• Problem-based inquiry
• Hands-on, on-site, experiential learning
• Discovery by students and teachers together
• Performance and formative assessment

Definition Classroom environment Assumptions
Best Practices
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Information from Combs, A.W. (1976). Fostering
maximum development of the individual. In W. Van
Til K.J. Rehage (Eds.). Issues in secondary
education. (NSSE Yearbook, 1976). Chicago
National Society for the Study of
Education.   Marzano, R.J. (1992). A different
kind of classroom Teaching with dimensions of
learning. Alexandria, VA Association for
Supervision and Curriculum Development.   http//w
ww.abor.asu.edu/4_special_programs/lce/afc-defined
_lce.htm (Learner Centered Education in the
Arizona University System)
Definition Classroom environment Assumptions
Best Practices
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Really. Is my hair okay?
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