Discussion Series

How Students Learn in a Learner-Centered Environment

Doyle, T. (2008)

Teaching and learning in a learner-centered instructional environment can be challenging! This discussion series will focus on creating effective learner-centered environments, from optimizing student learning, to creating relevance, to promoting independent learning, to peer instruction. Helping Students Learn examines the move from a teaching-centered to a learner-centered classroom.

"The first four chapters focus on the importance of imparting to students the evidence and underlying philosophy that is driving higher education to move from a teacher-centered to a learner-centered practice, and what this means for students in terms of having control over, and making important choices about, their learning. The final eight chapters focus on how to impart the skills that students need to learn or hone if they are to be effective learners in an environment that is new to them. The book covers such practices as learning on one’s own; creating meaningful learning when collaborating with others; peer teaching; making presentations; developing life long learning skills; self and peer evaluation; and give meaningful feedback." (from book flap)

Attend one session, or attend them all!

A discussion of Helping Students Learn will occur in two parts, part 1 will address chapters 1-6 while part 2 will address chapters 7-12. Each part (1 & 2) will be led by knowledgeable faculty members and involve a short presentation addressing the creation of learner-centered instructional environments followed by a discussion of the implications of the principles for practice. Ultimately, the focus of these discussions will be on how learner-centered teaching applies to the daily instructional lives of faculty members.

Schedule of Chapter Discussions

1/31/12 Tuesday	Ch 1:	How Does Students’ Prior Knowledge Affect Their Learning? Facilitator: Jeannine Eddleton, Chemistry	Session is full. Resources
2/15/12 Wednsday	Ch 2:	How Does the Way Students Organize Knowledge Affect Learning? Facilitator: TBD	Session is full. Resources
2/23/12 Thursday	Ch 3:	What Factors Motivate Students to Learn? Facilitator: Brett Jones, Learning Sciences	Session is full. Resources
3/15/12 Thursday	Ch 4:	How Do Students Develop Mastery? Facilitator: Lisa McNair, Engineering Education	Session is full. Resources
3/27/12 Tuesday	Ch 5:	What Kinds of Practice and Feedback Enhance Learning? Facilitator: Jennifer M. Brill, Learning Sciences	Session is full. Resources
4/11/12 Tuesday	Ch 6:	Why do Student Development and Course Climate Matter? Facilitator: Robin Panneton, Psychology	Session is full. Resources
4/25/12 Tuesday	Ch 7:	How Do Students Become Self-Directed Learners? Facilitator: Barbara Bekken, Geosciences	Session is full. Resources

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