Student-Centered Learning: Nine Classrooms in Action

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.” They reflect on their successes and struggles to put students in charge of their own learning and reveal strategies that make this possible. These teachers, who mostly work in schools with a high percentage of students living in poverty: prioritize relationships with students and their families build supportive classroom cultures at the start of each year tailor assignments to individual student interests, strengths, and challenges create opportunities for students to choose how they will demonstrate their learning seek regular opportunities to connect students to learning outside the classroom. Ultimately, Nave argues, student-centered learning is not just something for special teachers or special schools. On the contrary, 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.

About the Author :
Bill Nave is a program evaluation and research consultant based in Maine, USA. From 1968–1993 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.

Review :
"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" "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" 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"