Student-Centred Learning - Education International

2The Benefits2.1Introductionscl, if implemented properly, offers benefits to all, including the institution, studentsand staff involved, higher education staff unions, students’ unions and society as awhole. Given the current context of higher education across Europe—the financialsituation, massification of higher education and a high workload for teaching staff—there are many benefits to be reaped by implementing the scl approach.2.2Benefits For StudentsThe benefits of scl for the students involved are many and varied. Coming into anacademic community possibly for the first time can shape the way students think forthe rest of their lives. scl provides skills for life, creates independent learners and respondsto the changing and differing needs of individual students. Below is a list ofwhat such benefits can include:q qMaking Students an Integral Part of the Academic Community: Studentsare said to be part of the academic community, but in practice this can bedifficult to achieve due to varied practices of rigid teaching structures. Viascl, students can become part of that community much earlier, given thatthe teacher acts as a facilitator, rather than an instructor. In encouragingstudents to think for themselves, analytical skills and critical thinking aregained earlier on. In this context, research-led teaching becomes all themore possible. Teachers are able to discuss their research and hear the viewsof students on the matter. Increased cooperation and a feeling of havingone’s views valued can further increase the interaction and engagement ofstudents. This can lead to participation in the development of research andalso to help develop a given course, due to the sense of ownership that studentsfeel. Lastly, it may also encourage more students to enter the academiccommunity as members. We must not forget that students are the teachersof the future!The Benefits7