ESTABLISHING A POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
17 Teaching and Learning Preferences
There are many different ways of teaching, but experts focus on three major styles. This summary has been adapted from Teaching and Learning at York: A Guide for Teaching Assistants and Course Directors.
| Subject-Matter Centered | Instructor Centered | Student Centered |
|---|---|---|
| Teacher focused on transmission of information | Teacher focused on having students learn segments of knowledge that are central in the discipline | Teacher focused on the development of the student as learner |
| "helping students master principles, concepts, analytic tools, theories, facts, etc." (1989 p. 13) | "help students learn to approach problems in the field [of study] as professors approach them" (1989 p.13) | "personal development of the whole student, organizing class sessions around the desire to help students develop as individuals, morally, and socially, as well as intellectually" (1989 p.13) |
The three categories are not mutually exclusive, but instructors tend to lean more towards one. Often you will be largely affected by the direction of the course instructor because s/he will direct you in how they teach and how they wish you to teach. Be aware of other styles and make a conscious effort to include all three styles when planning your lessons.
