Students should be the centre of education: visiting lecturer

Emphasising the need for ‘student-centred education’, senior lecturer at the University of Cambridge, Sue Swaffield, discussed the benefits and challenges of placing the student at the centre of learning and teaching...

Emphasising the need for ‘student-centred education’, senior lecturer at the University of Cambridge, Sue Swaffield, discussed the benefits and challenges of placing the student at the centre of learning and teaching, at a conference organised by the University of Cambridge International Examinations (CIE) on Friday.

The conference centred on stressing the need to facilitate independent learning among students, thereby making them and not teachers, the focus of the education system. As Swaffield said that student-centred learning will lead to better academic results. “It will also ensure that teachers are actually involved in the lesson, making sure that both teacher and student are involved in the learning process,” said Ian Chambers, regional manager, South Asia, CIE, who was also present at the conference.

Chambers also said a student-centred education would make sure that there is a dialogue in the classroom. “The teacher is slowly finding out about the prior knowledge that people might have within the class and building a lesson around that. So the role of the teacher changes from the more traditional one as a lecturer to a facilitator instead,” said Chambers.

Story continues below this ad

Four sets of students were present in the conference briefing the audience on their experience with the student-centred approach.

“Some teachers and schools are doing it already, and with more teachers doing it, there will be more change,” said Chambers, adding that good teachers would be more student-oriented, regardless of board or country. “Often, teachers could just put comments without a grade, because when the grade is put, the student will be preoccupied with it, and would have no idea how to improve upon it,” said Chambers.

Trump also spoke warmly of his relationship with PM Modi.

India on Trump’s Russian oil claim: ‘Consumer interests come first’

India3 hr ago

India assures US of safeguarding interests of Indian consumers in volatile energy scenario. Discussions ongoing to increase energy procurement from America. No confirmation or denial of conversation between PM Modi and Trump. India willing to step up energy imports from US amid trade talks and tariffs imposed by US. Indian officials indicate commitment to diversifying energy portfolio.

View all shorts

Live Blog

PHOTOS