Learning-centered learning: a construct resting on five philosophical learning assumptions¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 1 claim (1 for) · 1 study (1 theoretical), q1 · 0 of 1 report an effect size · 1 claim rests on one study

Description¶

The article names and describes 'learning-centered learning,' a 21st-century construct that shifts educators' mindset from controlling teaching toward the learner and the learning process. It rests on five assumptions: learning is fun, learners control their own learning, learning-style characteristics are accommodated, intrinsic motivation is developed, and people and technology act as learning resources. The author states the construct 'supports learning environments that create intrinsic motivation, accommodate individual learning-style characteristics, give increased control to individual learners, and see all learning as multidimensional.'

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• Educators must make a philosophical mindset shift away from controlling what students learn, how they learn, and how learning is measured.

Constraints¶

• The author notes there has not been a widespread drive by educational systems to implement learning-centered learning environments; practice is limited.

Target Learners¶

• K-12 and higher education students, including community college students

Target Learning Objectives¶

• Becoming effective lifelong learners who understand, control, and direct their own learning

Claims¶

• The article argues extrinsic rewards such as grades can reduce intrinsic motivation and should be phased out [+W]

Related Theories¶

• Five educational philosophies framework (perennialism, idealism, realism, experimentalism, existentialism)
• Traditional versus constructivist conceptions of teaching/learning framework

Examples¶

• Treat other people and technology as learning resources whose selection and evaluation learners control
• H-B Woodlawn Secondary School as an existing learning-centered learning environment
• The League for Innovation's Learning College movement as community-college reform toward learning-centeredness
• Give learners control over how learning is measured via assessment choices and science-fair-type projects

Key Sources¶

• Jim Reynolds. (2006). Learning-Centered Learning: A Mindset Shift for Educators. Inquiry, Volume 11, Number 1, Spring 2006, 55-64. http://www.vccaedu.org/inquiry/inquiry-spring2006/i-11-reynolds.html