scholarly journals Policy Failures with Learner-Centred Pedagogy: Case Studies from the Zimbabwean Experiment on Project-Based Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Godsend Tawanda Chimbi ◽  
Loyiso C. Jita
Keyword(s):  
Curriculum Reform ◽  
Feasibility Studies ◽  
Project Based Learning ◽  
Practical Implementation ◽  
History Teachers ◽  
Learner Centered ◽  
Teachers Experiences ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Policy Failures ◽  
Learner Centered Pedagogy

Globally, policy reform in education has recommended learner-centered pedagogy for more than a century, but its practical implementation remains an illusion in many classrooms. This study describes history teachers’ experiences while experimenting on project-based learning (PjBL) in Zimbabwe’s current curriculum reform initiative. Project-based learning has gained acceptance as an indispensable approach in developing learners’ 21st century skills of creativity, critical thinking, research, and problem-solving. Using a qualitative multiple-case study, four history teachers were observed and interviewed while implementing PjBL at four secondary schools in Zimbabwe. Results indicate policy failures with learner-centered pedagogy. Where some participants and their students had made significant progress, others had done very little at the time the policy reformers withdrew the projects. Feasibility studies could have circumvented some of the pitfalls experienced while enacting PjBL.

scholarly journals Willing but Unable? Teachers’ Sense-making of Curriculum-reform Policy in the Early Implementation Stage

Pedagogika ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 135 (3) ◽  
pp. 52-70
Author(s):  
Godsend T. Chimbi ◽  
Loyiso C. Jita
Keyword(s):  
Curriculum Reform ◽  
Sense Making ◽  
Curriculum Policy ◽  
Reform Policy ◽  
History Teachers ◽  
Early Implementation ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Depth Interviews ◽  
Implementation Stage

This paper explores how history teachers in Zimbabwe interpret the new curriculum policy and how their understanding influenced the implementation of the new reforms. Using a qualitative multiple-case study of history teachers data were collected through document analysis, in-depth interviews and extensive non-participatory lesson observations. Results seem to challenge the traditional view that teachers are naturally resistant to change and are saboteurs who tend to undermine reform proposals. Instead teachers need to be empowered on how to implement the envisaged changes.

scholarly journals Pedagogy and History: Ujamaa and Learner-Centered Pedagogy in Tanzania

2021 ◽  
pp. 000-000
Author(s):  
Nozomi Sakata ◽  
Moses Oketch ◽  
Mano Candappa
Keyword(s):  
Learner Centered ◽  
Learner Centered Pedagogy

scholarly journals Caught In-Between: The Impact of Different Forms of Mandated National Assessment for Qualifications on Teacher Decision-Making in Year 12 History in New Zealand, 1986-2005

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Gregor James Fountain
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
New Zealand ◽  
Curriculum Reform ◽  
Classroom Practice ◽  
Educational Achievement ◽  
Teacher Autonomy ◽  
National Assessment ◽  
History Teachers ◽  
Written Curriculum ◽  
The Impact

<p>This case study takes an historical perspective to explore the curriculum decision-making of History teachers in New Zealand. It is argued that between 1986 and 2005, Year 12 History teachers were caught in-between curriculum reform on one hand, which encouraged teacher autonomy, and on the other hand, assessment reform which reduced teacher autonomy. While teachers in this study utilised the autonomy provided by internal assessment to develop engaging class and assessment activities, they largely avoided topics in Māori, Pasifika and Women’s history which were promoted through the syllabus. Factors which contributed to teachers' decisions concerning curriculum topics included teachers' perceptions of the nature of disciplinary History, personal interest and resource availability. The primary focus on this thesis is an assessment of the impact of changes to national assessment for qualifications on Year 12 History programmes. It argues that mandated assessment for qualifications is the single-most determining factor on classroom practice. It is also argued that the assessment style which emerged for Year 12 History through the National Certificate of Educational Achievement disconnected History assessment from the intentions of its written curriculum which emphasised disciplinary History's underlying and interconnected process of gathering, analysing and presenting historical information. In some cases, the NCEA hindered rather than enhanced the development of a school-based curriculum at this level.</p>

Identifying Effective Uses of Mobiles for Encouraging 21st Century Skills

2018 ◽  
pp. 106-122
Author(s):  
Cynthia C. M. Deaton ◽  
Sandra M. Linder ◽  
Benjamin E. Deaton
Keyword(s):  
Secondary Teachers ◽  
Mobile Technology ◽  
21St Century ◽  
21St Century Skills ◽  
Pedagogical Content ◽  
Student Ownership ◽  
Learner Centered ◽  
Multiple Case ◽  
Learning Data

This chapter outlines characteristics of inquiry-oriented projects that blend theories of constructivism with mobile technology. These characteristics capitalize upon 21st Century Skills (P21, 2009) that align with learner-centered instructional practices. We share insights from a multiple case study of four secondary teachers' integration of mobiles to encourage student engagement in 21st century skills and inquiry. These teachers integrated mobiles into inquiry-based lessons to promote student ownership of their learning. Data collection from this study included reflective writings, teacher products and an open-ended question from the Technological and Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) survey (Mishra & Koehler, 2006). Findings indicated that participants consistently encourage their students to engage in 21st Century Skills. Communication, Collaboration, Creativity most common 21st Skills encouraged by the participant as they used mobiles.

The Power of Metaphor in Bringing Clarity for Learners in Learner-Centered Design

2017 ◽  
pp. 274-290
Author(s):  
John Ewing ◽  
Doug Reid
Keyword(s):  
Learning Theory ◽  
Social Constructivism ◽  
Reference Points ◽  
Community Of Learners ◽  
Student Centered ◽  
Common Reference ◽  
Learner Centered ◽  
Knowledge Learning ◽  
Learner Centered Pedagogy

The study focuses on guiding students through an exploration of social constructivism model as it relates to the roles of instructor and learner. It explores the use of a metaphor, the dot, to demonstrate that metaphors can support deeper understanding of difficult concepts inherent in learner-centered and constructivist pedagogies. This research was conducted to ascertain whether metaphors provide common reference points for learners that can be used to build and test new assumptions of knowledge. Additionally, the study highlights challenges that learner-centered pedagogy face when identifying preconceived constructs and moving towards the adoption of new thoughts, perspectives, and reasoning. In theory, this study identified the continuing role that metaphors play in the learning theory and how the literature can be explored further. In practice, the study identified student-centered activities, which include the learner as a contributor to knowledge, learning in a community of learners, and empowering the learner to change.

scholarly journals From ambition to practice: An Analysis of Teachers’ Attitude Toward Learner-Centered Pedagogy in Public Primary Schools in Rwanda

SAGE Open ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 215824401882346
Author(s):  
Alfred Otara ◽  
Alphonse Uworwabayeho ◽  
Wenceslas Nzabalirwa ◽  
Beata Kayisenga
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Primary School Teachers ◽  
Preservice Training ◽  
Learner Centered ◽  
Proper Training ◽  
Teachers Attitudes ◽  
Chi Square Analysis ◽  
Learner Centered Pedagogy

Learner-centered pedagogy (LCP) is one of the best approaches in developing knowledge, skills, and attitudes of learners to cope with the changing world. Implementation of LCP practices tend to vary from one context to another. It is within this perspective that this study was conducted with the aim of investigating the teachers’ attitudes toward LCP in public primary schools located in Nyarugenge District. A sample size of 165 teachers was selected from 13 public and government-aided primary schools. Simple percentages, and chi-square analysis were used to analyze data, and the findings were triangulated with questionnaire and interview responses. Results show that primary school teachers manifested negative attitude toward LCP. The study also indicates that both institutional and individual factors, such as insufficient and inadequate trainings, lack of clear indicators on LCP, and lack of prior experience on LCP among colleges and university tutors during preservice training, affect the attitude of teachers. It is further revealed that gender does not influence the attitude of teachers; however, training was found to be significant at .05 level. It is therefore important that authorities ensure proper training to head teacher, school subject leaders, and teachers on LCP and avail clear indicators on those methods.

Critique of Nursing as Caring Theory: Aesthetic Knowing and Caring in Online Learning

2015 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 49-49
Author(s):  
Jennifer E. Shearer,
Keyword(s):  
Online Learning ◽  
Nursing Education ◽  
Learning Strategy ◽  
Learning Activity ◽  
Nursing Knowledge ◽  
Learner Centered ◽  
Online Nursing Education ◽  
Learner Centered Pedagogy

The expansion of online nursing education with learner-centered pedagogy provides opportunity to build knowledge as well as demonstrate caring toward learners. A learning strategy using a criterion-based critique model is presented as an exemplar of a caring learning activity. Nursing as caring theory is critiqued using the model as a didactic tool. This application stimulates aesthetic knowing for learners and demonstrates respect and value for learners’ contribution to nursing knowledge.

Teacher Educators’ Practice and Vision of Good Teaching in Teacher Education Reform Context in Ghana

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (4) ◽  
pp. 194-203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kwame Akyeampong
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Education ◽  
Education Reform ◽  
Professional Learning ◽  
Teacher Educators ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Good Teaching ◽  
Teacher Education Reform ◽  
Primary Mathematics ◽  
Learner Centered ◽  
Learner Centered Pedagogy

Teacher education in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA) has been criticized for the lack of attention to learning to teach in real classrooms, which limits the opportunity for pre-service teachers to successfully introduce learner-centered pedagogy in African primary school classrooms. To address this problem, Ghana has implemented a teacher education reform since 2004 to incorporate practicum. However, the critical role of teacher educators has been overlooked by policymakers, and few studies have qualitatively investigated their practice and vision. The study draws on qualitative data from the Ghana component of the Teacher Preparation in Africa (TPA) research project to explore eight teacher educators’ practice and vision of good teaching of primary mathematics. The study found that teacher educators’ practice and vision of good teaching consist of the use of teaching and learning materials (TLMs) and small group activities following specific steps without understanding the principles of learner-centered pedagogy that could be applied in a variety of classroom contexts and mathematics topics. The study also identified the hierarchical relationship between teacher educators and school teachers as a major challenge for effective practicum, limiting the opportunity to transform teacher educators’ vision and practice of primary mathematics teaching. Recommendations for enhancing professional learning opportunities for teacher educators are offered.

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