In teacher-centered learning, the educator holds the central role in the classroom. The teacher delivers content through lectures, directs classroom activities, and evaluates student understanding through tests and assignments. This model is often rigid, with students acting as passive recipients of knowledge. While it ensures structured delivery, it may limit creativity and critical thinking.
On the other hand, student-centered learning places the learner at the heart of the process. Here, students take an active role in their education through discussion, inquiry, hands-on projects, and group collaboration. Teachers serve as facilitators or guides, helping learners construct their own understanding and encouraging problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
This shift recognizes that every child learns differently and benefits from engagement, autonomy, and a supportive learning environment. Student-centered approaches foster deeper understanding, independence, and lifelong learning skills—essential qualities for success in today’s dynamic world.
The most effective approach often involves a combination of both, tailoring instruction to the specific needs of the students, the subject matter, and the learning objectives. Some situations may benefit more from teacher-centered instruction, while others may be better suited to student-centered approaches.
Teacher-centered learning emphasizes the teacher's role in delivering information, while child-centered learning focuses on the student's active role in the learning process. The most effective approach often blends both, considering the specific context and needs of the learners.