Student-Centered Learning: 5 Key Strategies
Learning experiences are effective only when all the students can achieve their learning outcomes. Students find learning experiences beneficial when they are comfortable and boost their morale and confidence when learning and applying what they learned. Traditional learning experiences have never made students feel comfortable while learning.
Each student has very different learning requirements and needs, influenced by their backgrounds, personalities, and aspirations. Ideal learning experiences can identify these and modify how knowledge is imparted to align with the requirements and aspirations of each student. For this, learning experiences have to be student-centered.
Let’s discuss the fundamental concepts of student-centered learning and different types of effective learning approaches, shall we?
What Are the Basic Principles of Student-Centered Learning?
Student-centered learning is a set of consistent steps taken to ensure that the learning process is pivoted on the students and their requirements. Student-centered learning strategies involve modifying patterns and or the dynamics of a classroom. The end goal of these actions is to provide ideal learning experiences. Each student has a set of preferences, desired learning outcomes, and specific needs.
Traditional learning strategies were skewed towards the comfort of teachers or subject experts. These were never ideal learning experiences. Student-centered learning employs various techniques to provide flexible, personalized learning experiences to all the students and helps them hone other soft skills that will be beneficial in their future.
What Are the Different Types of Student-Centered Learning Strategies?
1) Problem-Based Learning
Problem-based learning. Image source:utoronto.ca
Complex and open-ended problems are the basis upon which this student-centric learning strategy has been developed. This learning strategy requires students to face real-world problems that sharpen their critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, communication skills, and teamwork. In this learning system, the teacher plays the facilitator, and the learning process is self-directed and handled independently by the students.
The facilitator groups students into well-mixed teams. This is done to promote a collaborative effort that would facilitate team members to exchange their knowledge and improve their communication and people skills.
Unlike other student-centric or traditional learning strategies, which involve teachers or subject experts initially preparing their students to handle real-world problems, students who learn from a problem-based learning experience are introduced to the problem before they become prepared or equipped to solve them. The learning process is completely self-directed and done independently by the students from start to finish. Students spend the initial stages of the process analyzing and understanding the problem through discussions within the team as well as discussions with their facilitator.
Once they understand the problem, they equip themselves with the right skills and tools to solve it. Students learn the function and application of tools like 3D modeling software. Parallelly, they create timelines and plans and decide actions. Designation of various parts of the problem-solving process also happens at this stage. In this phase, the facilitator only monitors the process and intervenes only when required. The facilitator could bridge any gaps in skills by providing necessary training or introducing industry experts.
After understanding the problem and the solution and equipping themselves with the right tools and skills, students start working towards realizing the solution. After the solution has been implemented, they resort to reflective thinking to assess the entire process. They note important milestones or errors to revisit the problem and make necessary changes.
Problem-based learning is technology-oriented, and students depend on tools, software, and equipment to implement their solutions. Problem-based learning offers independence to students like no other learning strategy. This mode of understanding not only helps students whet their problem-solving and critical thinking skills, but they also feel comfortable when the learning process happens at a pace they are comfortable with.
2) 3D Modeling
In student-centered learning, the focus is on the student and their needs. This type of learning is often more student-led, with the teacher taking on more of a facilitator role. 3D modeling can be a great tool for students in this type of learning environment. It allows them to be creative and explore different concepts in a hands-on way. Additionally, it can help them to better visualize difficult concepts.
3D modeling can also be used to create projects that can be shared with the class or used as a teaching aid. For example, a student could create a 3D model of the solar system and then present it to the class. This would help the student to learn about the solar system while also providing a teaching tool for the teacher.
There are a lot of CAD software for kids that can be used and a good example is SelfCAD. SelfCAD is a 3D modeling software that is student-friendly and easy to use. It is frequently used in schools for teaching 3D design and printing.
SelfCAD helps students to develop their own designs, think creatively, and work collaboratively. The software is also useful for exploring different engineering concepts. For example, students can use SelfCAD to design a bridge, then test it by printing it out and seeing how much weight it can hold. In this way, SelfCAD helps students to learn about structural concepts in a hands-on way. In addition, SelfCAD can be used to create models for science projects or artworks.
3) Adaptive Learning
Adaptive learning is another technology-oriented learning strategy that is student-centric. Adaptive learning uses Artificial Intelligence and algorithms such as Bayesian Knowledge Tracing (BKT) and Item Response Theory (IRT) to provide adaptive content, adaptive sequences, and adaptive assessments to students. These technologies collect and analyze real-time data about student responses, competency, and performance. The data analyzed is used to create a student profile for each student. These profiles contain information about their learning requirements and competencies. This information is used in real-time to provide the proper assistance to the students at the right time they need it. In a traditional classroom, even the best educator cannot fully understand all their students’ needs concerning their learning.
Each student has different requirements and competencies. Adaptive learning identifies these highly efficiently to provide bespoke learning experiences that align with each student’s profile data. The AI then sets the students on the right path to achieve their learning outcomes. Advanced learners receive the option to study more progressive concepts and refer to the latest material. On the other hand, students who require more time to understand concepts are given the time to do so, and they are offered additional attention from their teachers.
Adaptive learning also works during tests, analyzing each response and the time a student takes for each question. This data is then used in regulating the difficulty of the questions as the students progress through the test. When a student takes time to respond to a question or submits a wrong answer, the following questions are made simpler. If a student can easily progress through a question paper, the questions become progressively complex. An advantage of this system is that students receive more insight into their responses. If students submit the correct answer, they are rewarded with additional knowledge or insights into that concept. Whereas a student who submits a wrong answer is told why their response is incorrect instead of being told they submitted the wrong response.
Adaptive learning puts the focus on creating tailor-made learning experiences for each student. Adaptive learning saves a lot of the time otherwise lost by students and teachers trying to interact and communicate ineffectively.
4) Engagement Theory
The engagement theory of learning is a student-centered approach to improving student engagement in classrooms. The engagement theory of learning is a framework for technology-based learning in classrooms. This framework is based on three principles that require students to be in meaningful situations. Students use their cognitive processes involving problem-solving, decision making, and evaluating to solve a real-world problem. Through collaborative activities and discussions, students are given opportunities to relate to the concepts in their curricula. Students can learn better when they relate to the concepts they ought to know. Following this, the students engage in technology-based projects to create a solution to a real-world problem linked to topics in their curricula. Creating things based on concepts they have learned gives them a sense of responsibility. Finally, they donate the solution to a real-world customer. This helps students understand patterns and requirements in real-world situations and prepares them to perform well as part of the workforce.
The principles of “relate,” “create,” and “donate” instill intrinsic motivation in the minds of the students, and they engage better in their classrooms.
5) Scaffolding
Scaffolding is a student-centered learning system in which educators support their students as they learn. Like its counterpart in construction, scaffolding in education offers only temporary support, gradually removing it as students acquire the ability to apply their knowledge independently. Teachers begin by introducing their students to a concept. They cover definitions, expectations, important terminology, and practice problem-solving methods.
Teachers can use all the tools to familiarize students with the concepts. After this, the teacher steps back and takes the role of a facilitator who monitors their students as they interact to share their ideas and co-create new knowledge. The facilitator only facilitates the learning process by providing input or aid only when the students require it.
During this stage, students can approach their facilitator for input or help understand their concepts better. The facilitator can then arrange for better training for their students or provide them with the right tools to make their learning easier and more effective.
The facilitation stage is followed by independent practice. Students in this stage have acquired enough training and have equipped themselves with the right skills and tools to apply their knowledge independently. In this stage, educators start removing their scaffolding based on the performance of students. Upon the requirement of students and the approach taken by educators, scaffolding is of two types- Soft and hard scaffolding. Hard scaffolding requires a direct approach that involves assignments or additional attention, whereas soft scaffolding is given to advanced learners. This follows an indirect approach such as targeted questions to evaluate competency in certain areas only.
Conclusion
There you have it – five types of student-centered learning strategies. Different students learn in different ways, so it’s important to find the approach that works best for each individual learner. What type of learner are you? Do you prefer visual aids, hands-on activities, working with others, or self-paced study? Once you know how you learn best, look for educational materials and methods that cater to your preferred learning style. With a little effort, you can become an independent learner who is able to achieve great academic success.
Enjoy powerful modeling, rendering, and 3D printing tools without the steep learning curve.
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