Student-Centered Classroom or Teacher-Centered Classroom

Every teacher has a unique way of teaching and different philosophical views of

controlling the class. While looking for the ideal learning method, certain teaching strategies

have emerged due to the sameness in the approach of many teachers over time. In today’s

world, it can be clearly said that teacher-centered and student-centered classrooms are the two

main styles of the approach to classrooms. These two teaching methods share not only

numerous differences but also similarities with each other.

Although student-centered and teacher-centered classrooms are considered entirely

different from each other, there are two main similarities that can be seen in both styles. First

of all, as well as pupil-centered, tutor-centered techniques have the purpose to create the most

effective and pleasant classroom for the learners so that the learning process will be extremely

beneficial for each of them. To put it differently, it can be said that building a learning

environment where every student can feel comfortable, be productive and get the greatest

efficiency is the primary goal of not only student-centered but teacher-centered approach as

well. It is an undeniable fact that both orientations suggest achieving the development of the

students even if it is academic or social development. Another similarity is that both learner-

centered and teacher-centered approaches imply that a strong relationship between learner and

teacher is the must for the management of the classroom. In teacher-centered, close connection

enables the teacher to manage the classroom easily as the students who have an emotional

connection with their teachers do not attempt to disobey the rules (Garret, 2008). Similarly, in

learner-centered orientation, a close emotional relationship is necessary for students being

active which is one of the primary features of learner-centered classrooms. Therefore, in both

classrooms, regardless of the main targets, teachers and students should have an affectionate

and respectful bond.

 It is an unquestionable fact that various similarities are shared between pupil-centered

and tutor-centered classrooms such as the main goal of them and having a powerful relationship

with students. However, as much as they have common attributes, these two management

strategies differ from each other regarding numerous characteristics.

Three main differences can be mentioned when it comes to the differences between

student-centered and teacher-centered classrooms. The first evident difference is seen in the

roles within the class. In teacher-centered orientation, the teacher takes all the responsibility

whereas, in student-centered classrooms, the facilitators of the class are the students. In other

words, in teacher-centered learning, it can be said that teachers are the active ones with regard

to all aspects. Only they convey the knowledge rather than the collaborative work of the

students. In contrast, the pupil-centered approach suggests that in the learning process, not only

teachers but also students should be active. Moreover, students should be more dynamic in

their educational path with their group works, discussions, and role-play so that rather than

attaining theoretical knowledge by being passive in the class, they can improve themselves

both socially and academically as much as they can. Another dissimilarity is concerning the

discipline. The tutor-centered method recommends that teachers are the ones responsible for

the discipline of the classroom. For example, teachers make the rules by themselves, and then

students must obey these determined rules. Furthermore, all classroom routines which are

taking attendance or lunch counting are taken care of by the teachers. Nevertheless, in learner-

centered orientation, the engagement of the students in the creation of class rules or classroom

tasks is required so as to improve students’ sense of responsibility, which may have a great

impact on their social improvement as well. The final difference between student-centered and

teacher-centered orientations is their rewarding styles. While student-centered orientation

focuses on intrinsic motivation, teacher-centered orientation mainly applies extrinsic

motivation. Doing activities according to the students’ interests, using gamified activities, and
letting students decide their choices are included in the intrinsic rewards which are used by the

teachers who apply student-centered classroom. On the contrary, in teacher-centered

classrooms, tangible and visible rewards such as chocolates, candies, stickers, or small toys are

mostly used to increase the motivation of the students.

To sum up, as there are various methods in the search for the ideal teaching style, it can

be said without doubt that new methods will continue to appear. Teacher-centered and student-

centered approaches, which are one of these teaching methods, have similarities in terms of

purpose and student-teacher relationship. Nevertheless, when their role sharing, providing

discipline, and rewards are taken into consideration, it can be said that they are completely

dissimilar to each other.

REFERENCES

Garrett, T. (2008). Student-centered and teacher-centered classroom management: A case

study of three elementary teachers. The Journal of Classroom Interaction, 34-47.