Learner-centred approach is one in which:

The learner-centred approach of teaching puts learners in the centre and gives primacy to children's experiences and needs.

• It strongly believes that when children are given the freedom to work at their own pace, they develop the ability to assimilate the concepts efficiently.
• It suggests an approach of teaching different from the existing practice of having a uniform curriculum, uniform instructional and evaluation strategies for the whole class.

Important Points

Characteristics of the learner-centred approach:

• It stresses the importance of enquiry, observation and investigation.
• It takes into account learner's capabilities, capacities and learning styles.
• It uses methods like experiential learning, problem-solving, concept mapping and creative writing.
• It emphasizes to provide ample opportunities to the children to foster their own strategy of learning to perform a task.
• In this method, teachers facilitate students as a facilitator by providing with proper environment and materials to learn at their own pace.
• Children create their own knowledge from their experiences and interactions with the world around them.
• Teachers foster children’s learning and development best by building on the existing knowledge, abilities, interests, needs, styles of learning and strengths of the children in the class.

Hence, it could be concluded that Learner-centred approach is one in which learners with the teacher's guidance are made responsible for constructing their own understanding.

Additional Information

Learner-centred approach advocates: 

• Flexible curriculum
• Varied learning time
• Varied methods of teaching
• Varied learning experiences/tasks/activities
• Varied methods of assessing children’s progress