Student-Centered Class

After listening to Dr. Peggy Grant, PhD, I was surprised at how strongly she feels against student-centered classrooms. She feels that teachers are not encouraged to be risk takers and that they are scared because they do not know what will happen. Student-centered classes are an accident waiting to happen and that teachers need to feel control. I felt this was strong and harsh. Student-centered classes can be incorporated into certain parts of a lesson plan, not the whole class. By making this the focus of a whole class a teacher would certainly need to be prepared for the unexpected. This particular class format may be beneficial for some learners who need a little less structure. Dr. Grant needs to spread her wings and give her students a little freedom and creativity, but with her guidance. Perhaps then she will realize that a student-centered class is not as scary and unpredictable as she thinks.