Creating a learner-centered classroom environment

Madison, Wis.—Nov. 1— Although lecturing can be an efficient way of delivering information, it is not the best way for students to learn, said Angela Provitera McGlynn, professor emeritus of psychology at Mercer County Community College. As an alternative, McGlynn advocated a learner-centered approach to learning.

“I don’t mean that learner-centered classrooms don’t involve any lecturing. They very well may include lectures, but the lectures will be different … [and] the instructor’s role in the classroom will involve several major changes,” said McGlynn, in a recent online seminar sponsored by Magna Publications, Inc.

In the learner-centered classroom, lectures are shorter and are peppered with writing exercises, discussion questions, one-minute pauses for summary writing and analysis, dyad sharing, and greater interaction, McGlynn said.

To achieve a learner-centered classroom, the instructor must create a safe, inclusive learning environment in order to get students to feel comfortable participating in class. This involves developing rapport with students and encouraging interaction among students, McGlynn said.

McGlynn recommended the following techniques for developing rapport with students:

• Greet them before each class begins.
• Use students’ names to boost their self esteem.
• Invite students to visit your office.
• Show your caring and interest in students’ lives and in their learning.
• Use humor where appropriate to create informality.

The following are McGlynn’s suggestions for encouraging student-student interaction:

Have students meet at least a few people in the first class and exchange phone numbers
Arrange seats in ways that encourage student interaction
Encourage students to form study pairs or study groups.

If you missed the live 90-minute online seminar, “The Learner-Centered Classroom: Building Rapport and Community,” you can order the full-length CD for $189 and the transcript for $99 or save $49 and receive both for only $239. Please visit http://www.magnapubs.com/catalog/cds/598525-1.html.

Magna Publications (www.magnapubs.com) is a leading publisher of newsletters and other information products in the higher education segment. Magna also manages onsite and online conferences on topics of interest to higher education.

For more information, please contact David Burns, publisher, Magna Publications, Inc., at 608-227-8109 or dburns@magnapubs.com.