SORSOGON STATE UNIVERSITY
Graduate School
Sorsogon City
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Topic: LEARNER-CENTERED DESIGN CURRICULUM Goup: 3
Discussant: JESSA L. LOPEZ Semester: First
Professor: DR. RENE BAROLA
LEARNER-CENTERED DESIGN CURRICULUM
Learner-Centered Design (LCD) is an educational approach that places the learner at
the forefront of the teaching and learning process. It emphasizes tailoring the curriculum to meet
the diverse needs and interests of individual students while promoting critical thinking, self-
directed learning, and a sense of ownership over one's education.
Principles of Learner-Centered Curriculum: Responding to the Call for Change in Higher
Education
Using well-known tenets of student development and student success as a central
organizing premise, it is suggested that higher education curriculum should include outcomes
related to the development of students as competent, lifelong learners. This imperative is driven
by demands on higher education to prepare graduates for complex, dynamic, and information
based social and occupational experiences. Curricula that prepare students with appropriate
knowledge and skills to man oeuvre a changed and changing society is in order. Labelled a
learner-centered curriculum, this approach includes, but goes beyond, the already explored
learner-centered instruction (Lieberman, 1994; McCombs & Whistler, 1997; SCCOE, 2000;
Soifer, Young & Irwin, 1989) to content and skill development regarding the mechanisms of
learning and growth.
LEARNER-CENTERED TEACHING: WHAT MAKES IT EFFECTIVE
Learner-centered teaching is a teaching approach that is increasingly being encouraged
in education. In Indonesia, learner-centered teaching has been an obligation for teachers to be
implemented since the government decided to try out the new designed curriculum, the 2013
curriculum. However, it is not always effective since teachers are lack of creativity, lack of
responsibility and knowledge. Therefore, this study was sought to find out teacher’s efforts and
their roles in implementing learner-centered teaching effectively. The study involving two
English teachers revealed that several efforts done by teachers in learner-centered teaching
are; 1) let the students do the hard messy work of learning because they are not passive
recipients of knowledge, 2) give autonomy and responsibility to students for material they learn
and their own learning in general, 3) use highly engaging core content that meets the needs of
the students, 4) give feedback to help students to improve, and 4) utilize multiple teaching
techniques appropriate for student learning goals. Several roles of teachers in learner-centered
teaching are as guides, facilitator and coaches. Teachers also play important roles in creating
an environment that fosters students’ learning, accommodates different learning styles, and
motivates students to accept responsibility for learning.
TEACHING AND LEARNING METHODS:
Socratic Dialogue: Teachers facilitate Socratic dialogues where students engage in open-
ended discussions, question assumptions, and develop their critical thinking skills.
Mentorship: Each student is often assigned a mentor who guides them through their learning
journey, offering personalized support, feedback, and encouragement.
Collaborative Learning: Group projects and collaborative learning experiences are
encouraged, fostering teamwork, communication skills, and the exchange of diverse
perspectives.
Independent Study: Students are encouraged to pursue independent study projects, allowing
them to explore their passions and delve deeply into specific topics.
Experiential Learning: The curriculum incorporates real-world experiences, such as
internships, field trips, and community engagement, to connect learning to practical applications.
ASSESSMENT:
Self-Assessment: Students play an active role in assessing their own progress, reflecting on
their learning experiences, and adjusting their PLPs accordingly.
Portfolio Assessment: Students maintain portfolios that showcase their progression, including
projects, reflections, and achievements.
Authentic Assessment: Assessments are designed to mimic real-world scenarios, allowing
students to demonstrate their understanding and skills in practical contexts.
Peer Assessment: Peer evaluations are used to assess collaborative projects, encouraging
students to provide constructive feedback to their peers.
ADVANTAGES OF LEARNER-CENTERED DESIGN:
Personalized Learning: Students have the freedom to pursue their interests and passions,
leading to increased engagement and motivation.
Ownership of Learning: LCD fosters a sense of ownership over one's education, empowering
students to take responsibility for their learning.
Critical Thinking: Emphasizing problem-solving and critical analysis, LCD prepares students
for lifelong learning and adaptability.
Inclusivity: LCD accommodates diverse learning styles and needs, creating an inclusive
learning environment.
Preparation for the Real World: Experiential learning and authentic assessment prepare
students for real-world challenges and opportunities.
Learner-Centered Design offers a student-centric approach to education, promoting
individuality, critical thinking, and self-directed learning. It equips students with the skills and
mindset necessary for success in a rapidly changing world.
Reference:
Curriculum Essentials: A Journey Copyright © 2021 by Linda J. Button, Ed. D.
Canadian Journal of Higher Education, v35 n4 p85-110 2005
Endang Darsih: Learner-centered Teaching: What makes it effective, Vol 4, No 1 (2018)
