Student-centered Pedagogy

We view teaching as guiding learners from Point A to B with appropriate step-by-step scaffolding.  This view of teaching is based on theoretical constructs by Vygotsky (1978) and Bruner (1983) in which teaching is considered scaffolding provided by adults or more capable peers with the goal of assisting learners to become more skilled at managing their own learning. During this process, teachers encourage students to co-construct knowledge with their peers and teachers.  The role of the teacher is to create a safe, socially-constructed, collaborative learning environment and facilitate student learning.  Ultimately, learning is considered a process, not a product (Bruner, 1966). 

Student-centered pedagogy is defined as “an instructional approach in which students influence the content, activities, materials, and pace of learning” (Collins & O’Brien, 2003, p. 338).  Student-centered pedagogy is thus dialogical and reciprocal between the teacher and students and among students.  Students’ active participation is critical in successfully implementing student-centered teaching as they own their learning as legitimate participants. 

In facilitating a caring and student-centered learning environment, teachers wholeheartedly seek to build trusting relationships with diverse learners from different cultural, linguistic, experiential backgrounds by connecting to every learner’s interests and prior knowledge and experience.  Teachers focus on making abstract theoretical concepts concrete and meaningful (Dewey, 1910), by using examples and experiences to which students can relate.  To accomplish this goal, Moses’ 5-Step Approach serves as a powerful student-centered pedagogical framework that enables students to own their learning.

Student-centered Teaching and Assessment Methods for STEM and Non-STEM Courses

While there are many effective methods to teach STEM and non-STEM courses, some examples of student-centered teaching and assessment methods used in the TAP include the following: 

  • Multisensory approaches (visual, auditory, kinesthetic, tactile)

  • Active participant structures (e.g. group, pair, jigsaw)

  • Communal note-taking

  • Student learning community

  • Long-term memory strategies (e.g. mnemonics)

  • Knowledge organization strategies (e.g. graphic organizer)

  • Breaking down content into small pieces with processing time (chunk & chew)

  • Informal/Formative assessment (e.g. finger signals, color cards, Kahoot)

  • Metacognitive strategies (e.g. reflection, exam wrapper)

Resources