Shift into Child-centered Program

(Bocchino, 2000). In a child-centered program, learning is developed by the student discovering, experimenting, and exploring new thoughts and ideas. According to the child’s development needs, teachers guide the student through activities and experiences that will meet each learning objective. Teachers are needed in child-center program to support the student and reinforce the learning objectives as they play. Academics, social development, and emotional development are all concerns the teacher must support growth and development of in each of the students. The teacher must be of superior quality (Gnezda, 2006). A child-centered approach provides enriched learning experiences that go beyond learning in a program focused on direct-instruction. In a child-centered program, the learning occurs as the child explores life and the world around them. Student become confident, self-motivated learners. They learn how to use their experiences, seek answers to their own questions and develop understanding for themselves. Learning becomes authentic and meaningful, and children can use their knowledge and skills in a variety of situations. In a child-centered program, children come to own what they know because they discovered it, and they can easily use their new found experiences when faced with new questions and ideas (Hersh, 2009).

Bocchino, R. (2000). What about Direct instruction?

Gzenda, Ph.D., M. (2006, January). Child-centered or direct-instruction preschool what's best for my child?. Washington Parent.

Hersh, R. (2009, July 16). The Importance of child-centered learning. Retrieved fromhttp://classroom-issues.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_importance_of_child....