Student-Centered Classrooms

Brown (2008) states, "By keeping students at the center of one’s classroom, a teacher can encourage and inspire students to seek out knowledge and to strive for understanding at a deeper level. Through this process, students see a greater relevance for and a stronger connection to the subject at hand. Through student-centered instruction, our students can achieve independent minds and the capacity to make educational decisions and value judgments." What is your experience with student-centered classrooms? In your opinion, what does it take to make a student-centered classroom? Why is having a student-centered classroom important? Explain.

Brown, J. (2008). Student-centered instruction: Involving students in their own education. Music Educators Journal. 94(5).

Instructional Strategies

Strong (2002) states, “Teachers who successfully employ a range of strategies reach more students because they tap into more learning styles and student interests” (p. 43). Has this been your experience as a student? Give an example to either support or refute this statement.
Strong, J.H. (2002). Qualities of effective teachers. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Motivation Strategies

Looking back on your education, what strategies or techniques did teachers use to motivate student learning? Explain. Would those techniques be effective in classrooms today?