What is student-centered learning?

Student-centered learning refers to an educational approach that prioritizes the individual preferences, interests, and needs of students in the learning process. This method empowers students by actively involving them in their educational journey, allowing them to take ownership of their learning experiences. By focusing on what students are genuinely interested in and how they learn best, this approach fosters engagement and encourages critical thinking, collaboration, and intrinsic motivation.

In this context, a student-centered learning environment adapts to various learning styles and encourages student agency, making learners feel more connected to the material. This is in contrast to approaches that emphasize teacher instruction or rely heavily on standardized testing, which may not address the diverse needs of all students. Additionally, methods that exclude student feedback do not support the essential participatory aspect of student-centered learning, where learners contribute to shaping their educational experience.