The Collaborative Classroom

Student-centered learning is a process of learning that shifts the focus of instruction from the teacher to the student. The term meaning can vary widely depending on whom you ask. Basically, in a student-centered learning “space”, students choose what they learn, how they learn, and how they will assess their own learning.

This style of learning is opposite to traditional education, also called “teacher-centered learning”, where the teacher takes the active role while students take a more “passive”, receptive role. In a teacher-centered classroom, teachers/ administrators choose what the students will learn, how the students will learn, and how the students will be assessed on their learning.  What we find works well is a mixture of both.

Collaborative Classroom

• Teachers models key points
• Students are learning directed content in their own ways
• Students learn 4C skills in a directed manner (Communication, Collaboration, Critical thinking, Creativity)
• Classroom feels safe; Environment is not completely controlled nor do the students feel alone in their learning
• Teacher is monitoring while students feel empowered to complete tasks on their own
• Questions are being directed to students or are being asked on their own