LEARNER-CENTERED TEACHING AND EFFECTIVE TEACHING STRATEGIES

The panel will explain the difference between traditional teaching styles and the concepts in Maryellen Weimer’s book, Learner-Centered Teaching. We will explore the benefits of utilizing a more learner-centered approach in the classroom, as well as examining the draw backs and political pitfalls to address. Attendees will learn innovative and creative teaching strategies designed to draw students into the learning process including the use of games, scratch quizzes, graphic organizers and many others. The panel will share examples of engaging syllabi to attract and interest students, thereby encouraging them to use it as a reference throughout the semester. The panel will demonstrate ways to increase student participation in their learning by offering choices in their academic pursuits including presentation and research topic subjects, certain due dates, choices between two assignments, and strategies for encouraging creativity in student presentations. During the session the panel will present ideas to enhance student understanding of the course textbook, articles and other assigned reading, as well as provide a variety of interactive learning activities utilizing technology. Instructor methods to assess what is being learned (is it really what we assume we’re teaching?) will be discussed including exam autopsies and student input into test questions.

Attendees will leave with specific tools and activities, regardless of the subject matter being taught; the strategies are not-subject specific, and can be easily altered to fit course content. For example, using a Jeopardy game to review before a test, creating a word match to teach the vocabulary of whatever topic is at hand, or playing Devil’s Advocate works for nearly any subject with various viewpoints.
Because the subject involved learner-centered teaching, the audience will be invited to share their ideas, strategies and engaging teaching methods during the presentation time allotted.