Student-centered Teaching for Increased Participation

Part I of this booklet introduces the concept of the student-centered approach to teaching with a description of the salient features of student-centered activities. These features have characteristics that increase student participation: (1) the ability to create; (2) divergent rather than convergent thinking; (3) exercising curiosity and being allowed to act upon it; (4) allowing for a free exchange of ideas; (5) sharing of control; (6) a feeling of success at accomplishing a task; (7) varying resources; (8) helping/working with others; and (9) exploring the affective domain. A model is described that is based on these characteristics and can be used in the classroom with maximum input from both teacher and students. Part II offers outlines for suggested class activities to increase student participation. These include minicourses, current events, vocabulary, role playing, games, a projects fair, and using the community as a resource. (JD)