Are You a Learner- or Curriculum-Centered Teacher?

Image via WikipediaYour personal philosophy of education drives your teaching style. Your perception of your role as a teacher and the role of the students, as well as your overall view of teaching and learning will determine your teaching techniques.

The current emphasis on standards has resulted in a movement toward curriculum-based classrooms. In this model the objective is to eliminate content gaps. The same content is presented to all students in the same time frame without regard to varying levels of student development.

In the curriculum-centered classroom, content is the focal point. Covering a specific body of knowledge in a given time takes precedence. Student achievement is judged in comparison to how well others do. There may not be a clearly defined standard of success.

In this model, a teacher primarily works alone to develop lessons and teach them, with little or no collegial collaboration. The teacher's classroom organization, teaching practices, and assessment methods are the traditional ones to which they were exposed as students.

The constructivist philosophy argues that individual human experience leads to a personalized construction of knowledge and meaning. Because each person has different experiences, they come to class with varying levels of skill and knowledge. An adherence to this belief will influence a teacher to be more learner-centered.

The learner-centered classroom is goal-based. Student achievement is assessed by whether pre-determined, developmentally-appropriate objectives are reached. The teacher's role is as a facilitator, helping each student by providing opportunities for meaningful experiences. The teacher provides just-in-time help as needed.

This teacher spends time researching new ideas and acquiring new skills and knowledge. Sharing and collaboration are key concepts in the teacher's practice. Evaluation is less formal and more ongoing.

Virtually all teachers fall somewhere between these two models incorporating concepts from both to varying degrees. Teachers must find what works for them, but still be open to change and eager to learn.

Resource:
TeacherVision, Learner-Centered vs. Curriculum-Centered Teachers: Which Type Are You?, Retrieved Jan 9, 2009

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