Student-centered or subject-centered education?
Educators have talked for years about having a "student-centered" education system. Some charter and private schools claim to feature it. Do they really have it? What is the difference between a student-centered system and a subject-centered one?
At the present time, Utah and other states have a subject-based system of public education. It is characterized by a common core curriculum, large classes, teachers treated as assembly-line workers, low morale and much worthless testing. Compare the two systems as shown below:
Subject-centered education:
In this system, the main focus is on curriculum development (not human development), with subject specialists developing "high standards" for student uniformity -- what our society believes all students should know and be able to do at grade-level check points. Teachers are told what and how to teach.
Characteristics: (Compare the like numerals below)
1) The main goal and purpose is to standardize students, to make them alike with a "core curriculum." A large amount of meaningless testing is imposed on teachers to inflict on students.
2) Teachers have big classes that restrict teachers from getting to know each child well enough to form a close relationship. Parents are usually not involved, except to help their child with the teacher-assigned homework.
3) Teachers spend much time imparting the state curriculum. They focus on what students don't know and can't do. Students are required to do teacher-assigned homework.
4) Students are not encouraged to ask questions. Learning, merely to pass tests, is shallow and temporary.
Student-centered education:
This kind of education focuses on the needs of each student, who s/he is, what s/he can do and what s/he wants to become. Teachers are regarded as professionals.
Characteristics:
1. The main goal and purpose is human development - to help each student find and develop human powers, one's unique talents and aspire to be a contributor to society. Students have many choices of subjects to study. Teachers help students evaluate their own work.
2. Classes are small enough for teachers to get to know each child well and work with parents to help each student see a vision of great, unlimited Student-centered or subject-centered education?: