School a Place of Learning
Foundations for learner-centered education: a knowledge base.
Kenneth T. Henson
Published in the Journal Education. 124.1 (Fall 2003): 5(12).
Downloaded from:Educator’s Reference Complete. Gale. Daniel Library, The Citadel. 22 July 2009
Learner-Centered Education: A Definition *
The Citadel has for its conceptual framework Learner-Centered education. This is a fluid theoretical model which is subject to change, and, indeed, does continuously change as the faculty continues to redefine this term. The following statement was the basis for The Citadel 's original concept of learner-centered education. Learner-Centered Education is defined by McCombs and Whisler (1997, p.9) as: The perspective that couples a focus on individual learners (their heredity, experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, talents, interests, capacities, and needs) with a focus on learning (the best available knowledge about learning and how it occurs and about teaching practices that are most effective in promoting the highest levels of motivation, learning, and achievement for all learners.) This dual focus, then, informs and drives educational decision-making.
In this perspective, learner-centered education involves the learner and learning in the programs, policies, and teaching that support effective learning for all students. Administrators are responsible for developing, maintaining and enhancing a school environment that enhances effective learning. They are also responsible for ensuring that teachers are knowledgeable about their students and about how learning occurs best. Teachers are responsible for having classrooms that promote effective learning for all and for being familiar with the instructional techniques that promote effective learning for all. School counselors are concerned with improving both the conditions for learning (parent education, classroom environment, teacher attitude) and with helping each learner
Kenneth T. Henson
Published in the Journal Education. 124.1 (Fall 2003): 5(12).
Downloaded from:Educator’s Reference Complete. Gale. Daniel Library, The Citadel. 22 July 2009
Learner-Centered Education: A Definition *
The Citadel has for its conceptual framework Learner-Centered education. This is a fluid theoretical model which is subject to change, and, indeed, does continuously change as the faculty continues to redefine this term. The following statement was the basis for The Citadel 's original concept of learner-centered education. Learner-Centered Education is defined by McCombs and Whisler (1997, p.9) as: The perspective that couples a focus on individual learners (their heredity, experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, talents, interests, capacities, and needs) with a focus on learning (the best available knowledge about learning and how it occurs and about teaching practices that are most effective in promoting the highest levels of motivation, learning, and achievement for all learners.) This dual focus, then, informs and drives educational decision-making.
In this perspective, learner-centered education involves the learner and learning in the programs, policies, and teaching that support effective learning for all students. Administrators are responsible for developing, maintaining and enhancing a school environment that enhances effective learning. They are also responsible for ensuring that teachers are knowledgeable about their students and about how learning occurs best. Teachers are responsible for having classrooms that promote effective learning for all and for being familiar with the instructional techniques that promote effective learning for all. School counselors are concerned with improving both the conditions for learning (parent education, classroom environment, teacher attitude) and with helping each learner
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