Student-centered Learning

Book excerpt: What does student-centered learning look like in real-life classrooms? In this collection, educator Bill Nave and nine award-winning K-12 teachers tell the story of how and why they changed their teaching and redesigned their classrooms in order to "reach every child." Student-Centered Learning argues that it is possible for all teachers--no matter what setting they teach in--to become extraordinary and for students to develop and realize their own unique personal goals. "The teachers who speak from these pages bring the reader into the kinds of classrooms we hope to create for all students. They show that student-centered practice requires deep knowledge of the subject to be taught, a repertoire of instructional approaches, the ability to respond when one approach is not working, and the trust of their students. Student-Centered Learning is an inspiration and celebration of good practice." --Sharon P. Robinson, president and CEO, American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education "Student-Centered Learning offers inspiring and practical ideas for redesigning instruction that puts the needs and interests of students first. Written by exemplary teachers who share their struggles and joys in creating student-centered classrooms, it is a must-read for all people preparing to teach, and for experienced teachers who are looking for a way to revitalize their practice and motivate students." --Therese A. Dozier, director, Center for Teacher Leadership, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Education "Student-Centered Learning is a deeply needed and timely work that takes us inside the classrooms of outstanding teachers. These educators share insightful strategies for making learning focused on individual needs. This book should be essential reading for every beginning educator, educator preparer, and educators seeking to grow their practice." --Katherine Bassett, executive director and CEO, National Network of State Teachers of the Year, and New Jersey State Teacher of the Year 2000 Bill Nave is a program evaluation and research consultant based in Maine. From 1968 to 1993, he taught sixth through twelfth grade science to students in New York and Maine and created programs for at-risk students and high school dropouts. He was selected as Maine's 1990 Teacher of the Year, and was a finalist for National Teacher of the Year.