What is learner centred learning?

Here are some of the attributes of learner centred learning.

• The learner has full responsibility and accountability for her or his learning.
• Involvement and participation are necessary for learning, active rather than passive learning.
• The relationship between learners is more equal, promoting growth, development.
• The trainer becomes a facilitator and resource person.
• There is an emphasis on deep learning and understanding.
• The learner sees himself differently as a result of the learning experience.
• There is an increased sense of autonomy in the learner.
• There is interdependence between trainer and learner,
• There is mutual respect within the learner trainer relationship,
• There is a reflective process on the part of the learner.

How can you do this with e-Learning?

If you are a trainer or a developer of a course it is easy to use e-Learning to stimulate a learner-centred approach.

Here are some examples of what you can do.

In the classroom:

• Use voting technology to obtain feedback and check learning.
• Ask learners to discuss a topic and create a PowerPoint presentation to the group.
• Ask learners to create electronic folders of their work and to take responsibility for updating and reviewing them.
• Check learning with online quizzes.
• Ask learners to use electronic mind maps to plan.

Outside of the classroom:

• Create peer support groups online.
• Create an online workspace for learners to ask questions and share views.
• Ask learners to research topics on the Internet and bring information back to the lesson.
• Ask for feedback on lessons by creating online evaluations.
• Create reflective online journals for learners to complete after each session.

How can you up-skill staff to deliver in this way?

Trainers in the NHS will need to support if they are going to deliver their courses in a learner centred way using e-Learning.

Advice on the kinds of skills trainers need to acquire can be found in the Training Readiness section of the Toolkit.

Related Resources

•  
  ICCA Project
  

  ICCA (Increasing Citizens Choice & Access) offers products and services and guidance geared towards overcoming the identified barriers and describing the factors for successful adoption of e-Learning.

  http://www.iccaonline.co.uk/index.jsp