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Learner-Centered Education: A Definition

Learner-centered education has (1) long history of (2) development. Two of (3) first educators to put emphasis on (4) learner were Confucius and Socrates (5th to 4th centuries B.C.). Over two millennia passed before (5) seventeenth century Englishman John Locke introduced experiential education ( (6) idea that one learns through experience). Another two hundred years passed before European educators Pestalozzi, Hegel, Herbart, and Froebel designed and popularized (7) experience-based, learner-centered curricula.

A century later, nineteenth century educator Colonel Francis Parker brought this method to (8) America. Twentieth century Russian sociologist Lev Vygotsky, Swiss psychologist Jean Piaget. and American philosopher and educator John Dewey shaped (9) existing learner centered education into (10) program called constructivism. This article traces this development and examines (11) major contributions of each of these educators.

The Citadel has for its conceptual framework Learner-Centered education. This is (12) fluid theoretical model which is subject to change, and, indeed, does continuously change as (13) faculty continues to redefine this term. The following statement was (14) basis for The Citadel's original concept of learner-centered education.

Learner-Centered Education is defined by (15) McCombs and Whisler (1997,p.9) as: (16) perspective that couples (17) focus on individual learners (their heredity, experiences, perspectives, backgrounds, talents, interests, capacities, and needs) with (18) focus on (19) learning ( (20) best available knowledge about learning and how it occurs and about teaching practices that are most effective in promoting (21) highest levels of motivation, learning, and achievement for all learners.) This dual focus, then, informs and drives educational decision-making.

In this perspective, learner-centered education involves (22) learner and learning in (23) programs, policies, and teaching that support effective learning for all students. Administrators are responsible for developing, (24) maintaining and enhancing a school environment that enhances (25) effective learning. They are also responsible for ensuring that teachers are knowledgeable about their students and about how learning occurs best. Teachers are responsible for having classrooms that promote effective learning for all and for being familiar with (26) instructional techniques that promote effective learning for all. School counselors are concerned with improving both (27)conditions for learning (parent education, classroom environment, teacher attitude) and with helping each learner develop to his/her fullest potential. The following five premises support these assertions.