Methods of teaching in Institutions of higher learning: Teacher centred vs. Learner centred methods
Higher education is the backbone of any society. Higher education includes college and university teaching- learning towards which students’ progress to attain higher educational qualification. It is where indepth knowledge and understanding is imparted to the students so as to advance to new frontiers of knowledge in different walks of life. Looking at the present scenario of Higher Education in India, it has been found that only 10 % of Indian youth go to college while it is 40-50% in developed countries (Nagoba, and Mantri, 2015).
Teacher centered Vs Learner Centered Methods
Teacher Centered Methods
In Teacher-Centered Approach, teachers are the main authority . Students are viewed as “empty vessels” whose primary role is to passively receive information (via lectures and direct instruction) with an end goal of testing and assessment. It is the primary role of teachers to pass knowledge and information onto their students. In this model, teaching and assessment are viewed as two separate entities. Student learning is measured through objectively scored tests and assessments. In student-centered instruction, students and instructors share the focus. Instead of listening to the teacher exclusively, students and teachers interact equally. Group work is encouraged, and students learn to collaborate and communicate with one another (Concordia University, 2016). This approach include active learning, in which students solve problems, answer questions, formulate questions of their own, discuss, explain, debate, or brainstorm during class; cooperative learning, and inductive teaching and learning. In the traditional approach to college teaching, most class time is spent with the professor lecturing and the students watching and listening. The students work individually on assignments, and cooperation is discouraged (Felder, n. a.). When students work alone, they don’t learn to collaborate with other students, and communication skills may suffer. Teacher-centered instruction can get boring for students and their minds may wander, and even may miss important facts. In teacher-centered instruction, students are not allowed to express themselves, ask questions and direct their own learning.
Following are few examples of Teaching centered methods:
i. Lecture
ii. Demonstration
iii. Assignments and homework
iv. Memorizing
v. Reviewing
vi. Questioning
vii. Discussion
viii. Memorizing
Advantages
i. When education is teacher-centered, the classroom remains orderly. Students are quiet, and you retain full control of the classroom and its activities.
ii. Because students learn on their own, they learn independence and make their own decisions.
iii. Because you direct all classroom activities, you don’t have to worry that students will miss an important topic.
Disadvantages
i. When students work alone, they don’t learn to collaborate with other students, and their communication skills may suffer.
ii. Teacher-centered instruction can be boring for students. Their minds may wander, and they may miss important facts.
iii. Teacher-centered instruction doesn’t allow students to express themselves, ask questions, and direct their own learning.
Learner Centered Methods
In learner Centered Methods, while teachers are the authority figure in this model, teachers and students play an equally active role in the learning process. The teacher’s primary role is to coach and facilitate student learning and overall comprehension of material. Student learning is measured through both formal and informal forms of assessment, including group projects, student portfolios, and class participation. Teaching and assessments are connected; student learning is continuously measured during teacher instruction. In student-centered instruction, students and instructors share the focus. Instead of listening to the teacher exclusively, students and teachers interact equally. Group work is encouraged, and students learn to collaborate and communicate with one another (Concordia University, 2016). This approach include active learning, in which students solve problems, answer questions, formulate questions of their own, discuss, explain, debate, or brainstorm during class; cooperative learning, and inductive teaching and learning.
Student-Centred Learning comprised of the following elements (Education International, 2010): · The reliance on active rather than passive learning; · An emphasis on deep learning and understanding; · Increased responsibility and accountability on the part of the student; · An increased sense of autonomy in the learner; · An interdependence between teacher and learner; · Mutual respect within the learner-teacher relationship; and · A reflexive approach to the teaching and learning process on the part of both the teacher and the learner.
Examples of Learner Centered Methods
i. Presentations
ii. Brainstorming
iii. Jigsaw
iv. Case Study
v. Role Play
vi. Simulation
vii. Debate
viii. Project
Advantages
i. Students learn important communicative and collaborative skills through group work.
ii. Students learn to direct their own learning, ask questions, and complete tasks independently.
iii. Students are more interested in learning activities when they can interact with one another and participate actively.
Disadvantages
i. As students are talking and interacting, classrooms are often busy, noisy and chaotic.
ii. It can be difficult on the part of the teachers to manage all student’s activities at once when students are working on different stages of the same project.
iii. Since the teacher doesn’t deliver instruction to all students at once, some students may miss important facts.
iv. Some students prefer to work alone, so group work can become problematic.
In recent years, more teachers have moved toward a student-centered approach. However, some students maintain that teacher-centered education is the more effective strategy. In most cases, it is best for teachers to use a combination of approaches to ensure that all student needs are met. When both approaches are used together, students can enjoy the positives of both types of education. Instead of getting bored with teacher centered education or losing sight of their goals in a completely student-centered classroom, pupils can benefit from a well-balanced educational atmosphere.
Difference between Teacher Centered and Learner Centered Methods
| Teacher Centered Methods | Learner Centered Method |
| There is usually pin-drop silence as students are not allowed to talk. | Such classrooms are lively as students participate actively in discussions and activities that enhance student participation. |
| In teacher centered methods the desired learning is tested indirectly by use of objectivity scored exams. | In learner centered method, the desired learning is directly tested through portfolios, performance, papers and projects. |
| There is generally one way flow of knowledge i.e. from teacher to students. | There can be multiple channels of flow of knowledge. |
| Teacher has more responsibilities. | Teacher’s responsibilities are less demanding since the teacher only gives the information when asked to by the students. |
| Students work alone. | Students work in pairs, in groups, or alone depending on the purpose of the activity. |
| The student participation is passive. | The student participation is active. |
| Teacher plays the role of a leader. | Teacher act as a facilitator. |
Offline Vs. Online methods
| Offline Methods | Online Methods |
| With offline teaching-learning, participants are required to travel to the training location, typically a lecture hall, college or classroom. | With online teaching-learning, training can be conducted from practically anywhere in the world. |
| Doesn’t offer flexible timescale as it is carried out between office hours. | Have more flexible time scale. |
| It easier to find whether the learners have retained the knowledge or whether they are paying attention. | Difficult to find how much the learners have gained from the teaching learning process. |
| It can be used even in remote areas lacking electricity, internet and gadgets. | Internet connectivity is must for such courses for both the teacher and learners. |
| The teacher can resolve queries of students in the classroom. Students can also clarify their doubts with their class fellows. | Queries can be resolved in discussion forums. |
| These methods can be teacher centered or learner centered. | These are usually student centered. |
| Examples include kinesthetic teaching, role playing, simulations. | Examples include computer based learning, programmed instructions, live sessions, interactive videos, game based learning. |
