Learner-Centered Principles - Essay Example

The major focal point in student-centered learning is on the needs of the students. This is different from the teacher-centered learning approach where the teacher takes a center active role while students take a passive role (Blumberg, 2008). Student-centered teaching approaches include active learning, whereby students solve problems, formulate questions, answer questions, discuss and debate during class. The approach also incorporates cooperative learning whereby students work in teams on various classwork and projects.

This principle is guided by conditions that assure both positive independence and individual accountability. Lastly, the student-centered approach also involves inductive teaching and learning whereby students are first presented with problems or questions and then learn the course materials in the context of addressing or solving problems presented initially (Blumberg, 2008). I would prefer student-centered learning because unlike teacher-centered learning where students take a passive role, student-centered learning prepares students in solving and dealing with problems independently.

By the time students get into their profession, they are fully equipped to face different challenges related to their profession. This is applicable in all areas of study because, in any given workplace, there must be cooperation and accountability, which is among the principles of the student-centered learning approach (Ironside, Diekelmann & Hirschmann, 2005). Learner-centered principles One of the learner-centered principles includes goals of the learning process, in which the successful learner, over time, and of course with support from teachers, can actually create a meaningful, logical demonstration of knowledge (APA, 1997).

In my third year in nursing, I remember developing a simpler framework for handling emergency-related cases, slightly different from the existing ones. Another principle I found applicable during my learning experience involved the nurture of the learning process (APA, 1997), whereby I and my two colleagues were able to find a resolution to a scenario presented to us during an active project involving the care of terminally ill patients. Using cognitive skills and past experience, we were able to generate knowledge and came up with a solution.

In this case, we utilized the construction knowledge principle by linking new information with what existed in a meaningful way. Educator and application of caring theory As an educator, knowledge of caring theory can be applied to a learning situation in many ways. Generally, the nursing caring theory holds the view that all humans are caring persons (Blumberg, 2008). In this regard, when teaching students, this can be applied by ensuring that the teacher portrays a sense of understanding to every student’s needs and guide them according to their specific needs.

This goes a long way in assisting individual students in areas they are weak. Conclusion In my final year in nursing, I experienced collaboration in different learning activities with my colleagues. We used to develop questions depending on the topic covered and then research on the question as a group.