Learner Centered Psychological Principle

Living in a 21st century the center of the teaching and learning process is the learner
because he/she will be the one to discover the new learning. The teacher will only serve as a
guide in the teaching process. The learner centered psychological principle has 14 learning
principles and are divided into 4 categories. The first category is the ‘Cognitive and the
Metacognitive factor’, there are 6 principles under this which is the nature of learning process,
goals of the learning process, construction of knowledge, strategic thinking, thinking about
thinking and context of learning. The second category is the ‘Motivational and Affective
factor’, there are three principles under this which is motivational and emotional influence on
learning, intrinsic motivation to learn and the effects of motivation on effort. The third
category is the ‘Developmental and Social factor’, under this we have 2 principles which is the
developmental influences on learning and the social influences on learning. The fourth and the
last category is ‘Individual Differences Factor’, there are three principles under this, the first
one is the individual differences in learning the next one is the learning and diversity and the
last one is the standards and assessment. These principles highlight the productive and
reflective essence of learning and learners. The principles are designed to be applicable
to all learners, including children, educators, administration and staff, parents, and members
of our society who are associated in our learning system. There are lots of advantages that the
students will gain from the learner centered approach and because of these principles it
guides the learners and students more in integrating learning, it makes learning more fun,
improves participation and it can also foster collaborative learning.

Educational Implication

1. Within the classroom, learning should be student-centered based on the 14

principles. The role of the teacher is to consider all the 14 principles in integrating learning to
the students. Therefore, the teachers should consider all the major elements of the cognitive
and metacognitive factors of learning as follows: nature of the learning process, goals of the
learning process, construction of knowledge, strategic thinking, thinking about thinking, and
the context of learning. Each teacher's learning plan should be carefully checked as to its
appropriateness and effectiveness in lesson delivery. And when it comes to motivating the
learners, the teacher can praise the small achievements made by the learner, because of this a
positive school environment is created. Having a positive environment caused by the teacher
appreciating the small achievements of the learner can give motivation to the student.
Teachers can use the students' errors or mistakes as opportunities for mentoring. All these
raise a person's motivation to learn. Positive emotions establish in the classroom as well as
with others make learning interesting for everybody in general.

2. Collaboration is needed in a 21st century skill. Since the principle is learner-centered,

in order for them to learn is to know how to collaborate with others. This ability will prepare
them for the real world where they are expected to interact effectively with a community of
diverse people. Through engagement with their peers, students will learn to have acceptance
and respect each other’s differences when it comes to their perspective in some things and
they also learn to appreciate things. By collaborating, the learners practiced their listening
skills and they also understood the different perspective of their peers. When adequately
facilitated by the teacher, letting the students collaborate in the classroom by providing
engaging and interactive activities this will contributes to a positive and healthy learning such
as respect for each other's opinions, give-and-take relationships, and taking responsibility for
assigned tasks to develop the interpersonal relationships of the learners.