Differences between teacher-centered and learner-centered classrooms:

 

Teacher-Centered ("Traditional")

Learner-Centered

Knowledge:

Passed from teacher to student

Constructed by students through critical thinking

Instructor Role:

Gives information and evaluates students

Facilitates discussion, encourages analysis

Student Role:

Passive, absorbs knowledge

Active, negotiates meaning to build knowledge

Types of Activities:

Lecture, reading

Discussions, group projects, productive tasks (e.g. making a lesson plan)

Types of Assessment:

Written exams

Portfolios, quizzes, presentations, participation, group projects, peer review

Learning Outcomes:

Students memorize information

Students apply information to real-life scenarios