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Which is good? Teacher Centric or Student Centric classrooms?

When deciding how to approach your strategy of imparting knowledge as a teacher, you want to choose a strategy that is useful to all of your learners. You want your students to enjoy the learning process while still keeping your classroom orderly and regulated.

I don't think I am wrong if I say that you've definitely come across a dispute that has been at the forefront of educators' minds- is teacher-centered education better than student-centered education? To assist you decide which is best for you, I have tried to explain both teacher-centered education and student-centered education and compiled what has been offered as the merits and cons of each.

Methods of instructions delivered in a classroom can either be student centered or teacher centered. Let's talk about both of these teaching methods in this session- its benefits and drawbacks.

After interacting with a lot of parents during my tenure as a Principal, I got to know a fact that prevailed in my locality. The society nowadays, in my opinion, favors' and accepts teacher centered the most, and there is a tendency among the public to despise student-centered learning. However, I'm not certain of this. But I am aware that teacher-centered is the more conventional method of instruction. My education period during 80s were purely Teacher Centered method. In this way of instruction, students are expected to be quiet while listening to the teacher's instructions in the classroom.

Here, the teacher selects the topic of instruction and he is the main point of attention. The students listen while he speaks. Priority is given to what the teacher already understands about the subject. Students are working alone. No conversations; they are not permitted to speak. The teacher oversees and reviews the students' work. He is the only one who can respond to questions from kids. The classroom is usually quiet while the teacher assesses and supervises their performance.

Now describe the image you have in your head. Pin-drop stillness permeates the classroom as the teacher stands in front of the group. He will appear severe whether or not he is holding the cane. Not even a smile on his face.

Is the society's perception of teachers limited to this clichéd projection at this point? Absolutely not! There is another option, what we call it as student-centered learning, which may be a more successful one.

What is Student-Centric Learning, exactly?

The teacher still holds a position of control in the classroom even in student-centered learning. While students take on a more active and collaborative role in their own learning, in this method, the teacher serves more as a coach or a facilitator. A learning environment that is focused on the needs of the students and their teacher would look something like this.

Typically, after demonstrating a subject, the teacher asks the students to recall and explain or perform the demonstration. Here, during class, there is interaction between the students and the teacher. The delivery of the topics is casual and friendly. Less formal language is used. Students can work individually, in couples, or in groups. While not constantly watching over students, the teacher does offer feedback or adjustments as necessary. Here, a teacher's job is merely that of a facilitator. Students assess their own academic progress. The classroom will typically be lively, active, and occasionally crazy!

Yes, there will be too much chaotic scenarios in the classroom.

What are the advantages of a teacher-centered classroom, then?

Certainly maintain order in the class! The teacher has complete authority over the class and its activities. Being completely in charge reduces a teacher’s anxiety that students might be skipping important information. The class would gain when a teacher assumed full accountability for instructing a group of students. Teachers are at ease, self-assured, and in control of the lessons. Students are always aware of where to focus their attention—on the teacher, of course.

Let me briefly discuss the disadvantages of this teacher-centered teaching approach before we call this session to a close.

Teacher-centered approach works best when the teacher can make the lesson engaging; otherwise, pupils could become bored, let their thoughts wander, and miss important details. Since most students work independently, there is a danger that they will pass up opportunities to discuss their research with their peers.

Collaboration, a useful and crucial ability in both school and in life, is discouraged here. Only fewer opportunities exist for students to improve their communication and critical thinking abilities.

It's common to inhibit lateral thinking. (I hope you remember the many thinking styles I addressed in my prior session.)

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