Teaching Methods
Student-centered methods, espoused by education theorists such as John Dewey, Jean Piaget, and L.S. Vygotsky, form the basis of progressive education philosophy. Children are viewed as having natural curiosity and an innate desire to learn, and, thus, should be given the opportunity to acquire knowledge on their own with limited interference and direction from the teacher. In contrast, teacher-centered methods are favored by traditionalists and are based on the view that children learn from those who possess a greater knowledge base, especially their teacher.
Some of the major student-centered concepts include:
• Constructivism. This is based on the premise that students construct their own knowledge rather than having that knowledge imparted to them by teachers.
• Discovery Learning. Children can only learn and understand if they discover information for themselves. Teachers are supposed to facilitate this discovery process.
• Thematic Learning. Students use themes to study subjects and issues indepth. Students are to explore and answer their own questions.
• Cooperative Learning. Students do classwork in teams or groups. Students teach each other and teachers are to facilitate student interaction.
• Critical-Thinking Skills. Rather than simply digesting facts, students
must actively apply knowledge, solve problems, and develop conceptual
understanding.
Some thing I came across that might be of interest to some here.
AXE!
Include in this the 'Open Classroom'.