Comparison of Learning Paradigms: Learner-Centered vs. Instructor-Centered

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Comparison of Learning ParadigmsLearner-Centered
vs.Instructor-Centered
George Watsonghw_at_udel.edu
Institute for TransformingUndergraduate Education
University of Delaware
Workshop at Marymount University May 9, 2003
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the individuals learning the most in the
teacher-centered classrooms are the professors.
They have reserved for themselves the very
conditions that promote learning
What I know best I have taught
actively seeking new information, integrating it
with what is known, organizing it in a meaningful
way, and having a chance to explain it to others.
Page 35, Huba and Freed, Learner-Centered
Assessment on College Campuses Shifting the
Focus from Teaching to Learning, 2000
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Comparison of Paradigms
Instructor-Centered
Knowledge is transmitted from professor to
student.
Learner-Centered
Students construct knowledge through gathering
and synthesizing information and integrating it
with the general skills of inquiry,
communication, critical thinking, and problem
solving.
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Comparison of Paradigms
Instructor-Centered
Students passively receive information.
Learner-Centered
Students are actively involved.
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Comparison of Paradigms
Instructor-Centered
Emphasis is on acquisition of knowledge outside
the context in which it will be used.
Learner-Centered
Emphasis is on using and communicating knowledge
effectively to address enduring and emerging
issues and problems in real-life contexts.
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Comparison of Paradigms
Instructor-Centered
Instructors role is to be the primary
information giver.
Learner-Centered
Instructors role is to coach and facilitate.
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Comparison of Paradigms
Instructor-Centered
Emphasis is on right answers.
Learner-Centered
Emphasis is on generating better questions and
learning from errors.
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Comparison of Paradigms
Instructor-Centered
Focus is on a single discipline.
Learner-Centered
Approach is compatible with interdisciplinary
investigation.
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Comparison of Paradigms
Instructor-Centered
Culture is competitive and individualistic.
Learner-Centered
Culture is cooperative, collaborative, and
supportive.
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Comparison of Paradigms
Instructor-Centered
Only students are viewed as learners.
Learner-Centered
Instructors and students learn together.
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Quick Review ofProblem-Based Learning
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What is Problem-Based Learning?
PBL is an instructional method that challenges
students to learn to learn, working
cooperatively in groups to seek solutions to
real world problems.

• PBL prepares students
• to think critically and analytically, and
• to find and use appropriate learning resources.

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What are the CommonFeatures of PBL?

• Learning is initiated by a problem.
• Problems are based on complex, real-world
  situations.
• All information needed to solve problem is not
  initially given.
• Students identify, find, and use appropriate
  resources.
• Students work in permanent groups.

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PBL The Process

• Students are presented with a problem. They
  organize ideas and previous knowledge.
• Students pose questions, defining what they know
  and do not know.
• Assign responsibility for questions, discuss
  resources.
• Reconvene, explore newly learned information,
  refine questions.

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The Problem-Based Learning Cycle
(Assessment)
Overview
Problem, Project, or Assignment
Mini-lecture
Group Discussion
Whole Class Discussion
Research
Preparation of Group Product
Group Discussion
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Outcomes?
Moving away from
Are students getting the right answer?
Huba and Freed, Learner-Centered Assessment on
College Campuses Shifting the Focus from
Teaching to Learning, 2000
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Outcomes?
Moving to
Can students demonstrate the qualities that we
value in educated persons, the qualities we
expect of college graduates?
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Outcomes?
Moving to
Can students gather and evaluate new information,
think critically, reason effectively, and solve
problems?
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Outcomes?
Moving to
Can students communicate clearly, drawing upon
evidence to provide a basis for argumentation?
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Outcomes?
Moving to
Do students decisions and judgments reflect
understanding of universal truths/concepts in
the humanities and arts etc.?
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Outcomes?
Moving to
Can students work respectfully and productively
with others?
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Outcomes?
Moving to
Do students have self-regulating qualities like
persistence and time management that will help
them reach long-term goals?
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The principal idea behind PBL is?

• A. PBL challenges students to learn to learn.
• B. Learning is initiated by a problem.
• C. Student-centered work in permanent groups.

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• The principal idea behind PBL is that the
  starting point for learning should be a problem,
  a query, or a puzzle that the learner wishes to
  solve.
• Boud (1985)

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The principal idea behind PBL is?

• A. PBL challenges students to learn to learn.
• B. Learning is initiated by a problem.
• C. Student-centered work in permanent groups.

Think/ pair/ share