When I was a student in high school, teacher centered learning was the norm. It was not called teacher centered learning then. We do acknowledge that the teacher is the central authority. The fountain of learning has to be respected and heard. It is that one voice of authority that is followed.
When I started teaching, I thought them if the intent of the teacher focuses on the student, that is already student centered teaching. I was wrong. Skills and techniques, not just perspectives have to shift in order to accommodate this new type of learning. In addition, student centered learning is a must in 21st century classrooms. What is 21st century classroom without a 21st century teacher? Nothing. And so, I had to rethink the way I have been teaching.
I want to be a teacher who is relevant and contemporary, effective yet agile. There are three things that I would like to start this year to become the 21st century teacher that I want to be.
- Set-up my classroom management system. Tomorrow is the first day of school. I am preparing my seat plan, my student-empowered directory and classroom rules. I will start with a class that has high potential for student centered learning. They are one of the best, if not the best among their grade level of eight sections.
- Reapply my Quad system. Student centered learning is driven by group activities. However, so much time is spent in grouping, arranging the chairs and giving instructions. I will incorporate the system in the first week of class so it will be easier to replicate in the next lessons.
- I will start my Reflective Teaching journal. I do need to have at least an hour to write my notes and feelings about my classes. This way, I have a reference for the changes I plan to do during the academic year.
There are several more in my list. But, I will post them in the future once they are piloted and tested. Here’s to a new, crazy and innovative classroom.
Source.
http://www.passionpurposeandpedagogy.com/teachers/what-student-centered-learning-is-not
evelyndatu 
