Complete thesis - Murdoch University

Table 3.1: Comparison of teacher- and student-centred learning environments (based on Hirumi(2002))Learning OutcomesGoals and ObjectivesInstructionalStrategyAssessmentTeacher’s RoleStudent’s RoleOrganises and presents informationto groups of studentsAct as gatekeeper of knowledge,controlling students’ accessto informationDirects learningExpects teachers to teach themwhat’s required to pass the testPassive recipients of informationReconstructs knowledge andinformationStudents sit in rowsLearning EnvironmentTeacher-centredDiscipline-specific verbal informationLower order thinking skills (egrecall, identify, define)Memorisation of abstract andisolated facts, figures and formulasTeacher prescribes learninggoals and objectives basedon prior experiences, pastpractices, and state and/orlocally mandated standardsPrescribed by teacherGroup-paced, designed for ’average’studentInformation organised and presentedprimarily by teacherAssessment used to sort studentsPaper and pencil exams usedto assess students acquisitionof informationTeacher sets performance criteriafor studentsStudents left to find out whatteacher wantsInformation presented via lectures,books and filmsStudent-centredInterdisciplinary informationand knowledgeHigher order thinking skills (egproblem-solvingInformation processing skills(eg access, organise, interpret,communicate information)Students works with teachersto select learning goals andobjectives based on authenticproblems and students’ priorknowledge, interests and experienceTeacher works with students todetermine learning strategySelf-paced, designed to meetneeds of individual studentStudent given direct access tomultiple sources of informationAssessment is integral part oflearningPerformance based, used to assessstudents ability to applyknowledgeStudents work with teachers todefine performance criteriaStudents develop selfassessmentand peer assessmentskillsProvides multiple means of accessinginformationActs as facilitator, helps studentsaccess and process informationFacilitates learningTakes responsibility for learningActive knowledge seekersConstruct knowledge andmeaningStudents work at stations withaccess to multiple resourcesStudents work individually attimes but also need to collaboratein small groups161