Today’s education is not limited to just the curriculum. The new thinking says that students should not be mere receivers of information, but should be the ones who understand, think and use that information. This thinking is called – student-centered teaching. This method makes education interactive and practical, where students are at the center of the learning process.
In this article we will know what this method is, what are its main methods, and how it is becoming effective in India.
What is student-centered teaching?
Student-centered teaching means – imparting education keeping in mind the needs of the student, his pace, his interest and his understanding. In this, the teacher is not a one-sided lecturer, but a guide who inspires students to think, understand and learn.
In this system, students are not just listeners in the class, but ask questions, work in teams, put forward ideas and find solutions. This is completely different and more effective than traditional teaching.
Major methods of student-centered learning
Project-Based Learning
Students work on a real problem, such as – “How to save water?” They gather information, work in teams and create solutions.
Problem-Based Learning
Students are given a complex social or scientific problem, such as – “What is the reason for children dropping out of school?” They look for the reasons and create solutions.
Inquiry-Based Learning
Students are encouraged to ask questions and find answers themselves. This increases their curiosity and scientific thinking.
Collaborative Learning
Students study together in groups and share ideas. This develops leadership, teamwork and listening skills.
Flipped Classroom
Students first study at home and discuss with the teacher in the classroom. This makes the class interactive and practical.
Benefits of student-centered teaching
Increase in self-reliance and thinking ability
When students explore on their own, their ability to make decisions and solve problems increases.
Interest in learning
When the connection with the subject increases, students study willingly and do not feel bored.
Teamwork and social understanding
While working in groups, students learn to understand others and find solutions together.
Preparation for real life
By studying by connecting to real life problems, students get a better understanding of society.
Confidence and presentation skills
When students share ideas, they get the power to speak, present and lead.
Examples of student-centered teaching in India
Kerala’s flipped classroom experiment
In a government school in Kerala, students were first given video classes of the subject and then it was discussed in the class. This not only increased understanding but also improved exam results.
Project based learning in tribal area of Maharashtra
Students were asked to do projects on the problems of their village. A group started a cleanliness drive in the village and made posters. This instilled a sense of leadership and social responsibility in them.
Science Exhibition of Uttarakhand
Students were given the freedom to experiment and make models. A team made a water purifying filter, which increased both their creative thinking and confidence.
Role of the teacher: Not just a teacher, a guide
In student-centered learning, teachers are not just book teachers, but also a mentor. They guide the students by understanding their thinking, curiosity and needs. A good teacher knows that every student is different, so he does not teach with the same method.
Main challenges and solutions
Lack of teacher training
Not every teacher is familiar with student-centered learning. Regular training is necessary for this.
Lack of resources
Not every school has digital equipment or resources for project-based work. The government and NGOs will have to cooperate in this.
Assessment System
Traditional exams do not measure the thinking ability of the student. New methods like project work, case study, oral assessment should be adopted.
Solution
The National Education Policy 2020 has taken strong steps in this direction. But its success is possible only when teachers, schools and administration at every level adopt this thinking.
Conclusion
Student-centric learning is the basis of future education. This method makes children thinking and responsible human beings, not mere rote learners. When students question, experiment and find solutions – then real education happens.
We need an environment where the student’s voice is heard, their interest is valued and they are given the opportunity to think, make mistakes and then learn. This is the purpose of education in the true sense.
