Teacher-centered instruction

Definition

Teacher-centered instruction is an educational approach where the teacher is the primary authority and focus in the learning process, directing the flow of information and managing classroom activities. This model emphasizes the teacher's role in delivering content, assessing student performance, and maintaining control over the learning environment, often relying on lectures, direct instruction, and structured activities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Teacher-centered instruction often leads to a more controlled classroom environment where teachers manage student engagement and learning pace.
2. This approach can be beneficial for delivering large amounts of information efficiently, particularly in subjects requiring foundational knowledge.
3. Critics argue that teacher-centered instruction can limit student participation and critical thinking, as students may adopt passive learning roles.
4. Assessment in a teacher-centered model typically focuses on standardized tests and quizzes to measure student understanding and retention.
5. While effective for certain content areas, relying solely on this model may not accommodate diverse learning styles or promote collaborative skills.

Review Questions

• How does teacher-centered instruction shape the dynamics of classroom interaction between students and teachers?
  • In teacher-centered instruction, the dynamics of classroom interaction heavily favor the teacher as the primary source of knowledge. Students are typically passive recipients of information, which limits their opportunities for dialogue or collaboration with peers. The teacher’s role is to direct learning, resulting in a more structured environment where student contributions may be minimal compared to a more interactive approach.
• Discuss how teacher-centered instruction aligns with behaviorist principles in shaping student learning outcomes.
  • Teacher-centered instruction aligns closely with behaviorist principles by focusing on observable outcomes and reinforcement strategies. In this model, teachers emphasize direct instruction and structured practice, which provides clear expectations for students. Behaviorism suggests that by controlling the learning environment and utilizing rewards or consequences, teachers can effectively shape student behavior and improve learning outcomes.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of teacher-centered instruction in preparing students for 21st-century skills compared to learner-centered approaches.
  • Evaluating the effectiveness of teacher-centered instruction reveals significant limitations when it comes to preparing students for 21st-century skills like critical thinking, collaboration, and adaptability. Unlike learner-centered approaches that encourage active participation and problem-solving, teacher-centered models may hinder students from developing these essential skills due to their passive role in the learning process. As workplaces increasingly demand innovative thinking and teamwork, solely relying on teacher-centered methods could leave students ill-equipped for future challenges.

Related terms

Direct Instruction:

A structured teaching method that involves clear, explicit teaching of specific skills or content, often through lectures and demonstrations.

Behaviorism:

A learning theory that focuses on observable behaviors and the ways they can be influenced by external stimuli, often supporting teacher-centered practices.

Assessment:

The process of evaluating student learning and performance, typically guided by teacher-set objectives and criteria.