Empowering Students with Interactive Learning: Strategies for Student-Centred Classrooms

A student-centred classroom is one in which the focus is on the learner and learning, not on the teacher and teaching. It is an educational environment that places the student at the centre of the learning process. In a student-centred classroom with interactive learning, the teacher's role is to facilitate learning by creating opportunities for students to engage in meaningful and relevant activities while considering their needs, interests, and learning styles.

The focus is on developing the student's critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills and promoting their independence and ownership of their learning. Interactive learning in such classrooms promotes a positive learning environment where students feel safe, respected, and valued. Students are more likely to be engaged and motivated to learn when they feel that their needs and interests are being met and that they have a say in their learning process

Need of interactive and student-centred classrooms

In today's day and age, a student-centred classroom is more important than ever. In a student-centred classroom, the teacher acts as a guide or facilitator rather than a lecturer. They encourage students to actively participate in their learning by asking questions, engaging in discussions, and collaborating with their peers. The teacher also provides opportunities for students to explore topics independently, pursue their interests, and apply what they have learned in real-world contexts.

Every student has unique learning needs and styles. Interactive teaching allows students to pursue personalized learning, where teachers can tailor instruction to meet the needs of individual students. This can result in higher student engagement, better understanding of content, and improved academic achievement. It empowers students to take ownership of their learning, which can lead to increased confidence and self-esteem. When students feel they have control over their knowledge, they are more likely to be engaged, motivated, and successful

Traditional lecture-based classrooms can be passive learning environments where students are expected to absorb information without much interaction or engagement. In a student-centred classroom where the focus is on Interactive education, students are encouraged to actively participate in the learning process, which can lead to deeper understanding and retention of information.

Empowering students through interactive learning strategies

Gone are the days of traditional lecture-based classrooms where students sat passively while teachers imparted knowledge. Today's students require a more interactive learning environment that promotes engagement, motivation, and active participation. Interactive learning strategies can empower students by promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and creativity. In this post, we will discuss some interactive learning strategies that can help to enable students in the classroom. Some of them are -

• Project-Based Learning – Project-Based Learning is a hands-on, inquiry-based approach to learning that enables students to explore real-world problems and challenges. Students work collaboratively to solve problems, research, and present their findings in various formats.
• Technology-Enhanced learning - Technology-enhanced learning is an essential part of interactive education. It uses technology tools such as interactive whiteboards, educational apps, and online platforms to engage students in learning. It can be used to create virtual simulations, gamified learning activities, and other interactive learning experiences.
• Inquiry-Based Learning - Inquiry-based learning is an interactive learning strategy that encourages students to ask questions, explore topics, and seek answers. Inquiry-based learning promotes curiosity, critical thinking, and a deeper understanding of concepts.
• Experiential Learning - Experiential learning is an interactive learning strategy that provides students with hands-on, real-world experiences. Experiential learning can include field trips, simulations, and experiments. This method of interactive teaching provides opportunities for students to engage in real-world experiences.
• Self-Paced Learning - Self-paced learning allows students to work independently and take responsibility for their education. Teachers can provide students with resources and activities to work independently and offer support and guidance.
• Cooperative Learning - Cooperative learning is a strategy that promotes collaboration and teamwork among students. Students work in small groups in a collaborative learning environment to complete tasks or solve problems.
• Differentiated Instruction - Differentiated instruction is an interactive teaching approach that tailors instruction to meet the needs of individual learners. Teachers can differentiate instruction by varying the content, process, or product of learning based on student readiness, interests, and learning styles.
• Flipped Classroom - In a flipped classroom, students learn the content outside of class through videos, readings, or other materials and then come to class prepared to engage in discussions, group activities, and hands-on projects.

Conclusion:

The ultimate goal of adapting interactive education is to develop self-motivated, life-long learners with capabilities and skills of adapting to a rapidly changing world, where they will need to be unique, innovative, and develop ability to solve complex problems. Student-centred requires strategizing, planning, implementation, and dedicated assessment of teaching practices. By implementing the above strategies, teachers can create a classroom that prepare students by providing opportunities to apply what they have learned in real-world contexts and achieve success.