Picture this: Students are engaged in projects. They ask questions, discuss problems, and search for solutions. They take part in extra activities on campus and attend clubs of interest. Finally, they influence what they learn and how they do it.
How to describe it? It is a student-centered approach. Students are active participants in their learning, co-creators of knowledge, and architects of their futures.
Student-centered approach in the spotlight
The concept of student-centered learning consists of principles, strategies, and best practices. They enable higher education institutions to align their goals, programs, and services with the diverse and evolving needs of their students.
Building a student-centered approach means that areas like:
- empowering students,
- personalized learning,
- and supportive environment
are the central actions at the universities. We will dive into each of the topics and explain the activities which are undertaken for each of the areas.
Empowering students’ educational journey
Students thrive when they have a sense of control over their education. That’s why universities should encourage students to involve them in decision-making. What are the ways to achieve this? Here are some examples:
Provide academic advising. Advisors can also help students navigate academic requirements and policies. Their job is to act as soon as problems are noticed. Students become a source of help and support, they are not alone at the university.
The increasing value of student affairs is that our work is about looking at specific communities of students and really assessing what the specific needs and expectations are.- Rose Pascarell, George Mason University.
Source: Connected Student Report, Third Edition, Salesforce
Offer a variety of courses. This allows students to explore and find topics that align with their interests and goals. As a result, they specialize through interdisciplinary education.
The world has changed, and we have got to prepare students for what they do beyond the ivory towers.- James Davis, Howard University
Source: Connected Student Report, Third Edition, Salesforce
Allow students to design their own course of study. The students gain a sense of autonomy over their learning process. A path is adjusted to their specific needs and provides a better learning experience.
In the survey, nearly half (49%) of those students responding said that their university could support them in continuing lifelong learning by providing free elective courses on topical issues.
Source: Connected Student Report, Third Edition, Salesforce
Encourage extracurricular activities. Additional activities can help students develop skills, build relationships, and gain experience that can be valuable in their future careers.
Universities are listening. Sciences Po, in Paris, canceled all required classes on Thursday afternoons, so students would have time to take part in extracurricular activities
Source: Connected Student Report, Third Edition, Salesforce
Provide resources and support. Meaning access to mentors, career services, and academic support services like tutoring and writing centers. Together they are a valuable source of motivation for students.
Part of the proactive approach of George Mason University includes a student success coaching team that reaches out to students instead of waiting for students to come to them.
Source: Connected Student Report, Third Edition, Salesforce
Personalized learning to reach academic excellence
The definition of personalized learning is simple: the students decide what material they learn and how they learn it. Such an approach reflects the fact that they enter university with varying backgrounds, learning styles, and aspirations. To help with adjusting to the new environment, flexible teaching methods create individualized pathways for students.
What are the students’ expectations? The below infographics from the Connected Student Report, Third Edition shows this clearly:
To meet the needs and expectations, universities should offer personalized learning solutions:
Self-paced learning. Students learn in different ways and work at their own pace. They learn new things and strengthen their skills as they show they are good at them.
Diversified instructions. Teachers use various teaching methods and materials to meet the needs of learners.
Learning networks. Students use technology to access learning resources and connect with peers and mentors.
Adaptive software. Software that adjusts the difficulty and pace of instruction based on student performance data.
Personalized learning acknowledges that learners have unique strengths and challenges.
By fostering engagement, motivation, and a deeper understanding of the material, students transform into self-directed lifelong learners.
The strength of a supportive environment
It may be difficult for students to find themselves at the university. It is a different way of learning than in previous schools. The universities provide support services to help them manage their academic, emotional, and social needs. What kind of assistance do students require?
According to the survey, 34% of students wanted more career planning, 36% of students wanted more wellbeing resources, and most of all, 40% wanted more help balancing their academic, work, and personal lives. Students no longer see their university as solely a place of knowledge. Rather, they see higher education institutions as holistic support systems.
Source: Connected Student Report, Third Edition, Salesforce
Universities possess a multitude of opportunities to assist students in leveraging the potential of a supportive environment:
Foster a sense of community. The connections with peers, faculty, and staff are of great value. These activities would include clubs, student-led organizations, community gatherings, or campus events.
Provide resources for mental health and wellness. Support students’ mental and physical health with counseling services, workshops, and resources for stress management.
Establish a culture of involvement and diversity. Stress the significance of embracing everyone in university life. Create policies and programs that support this goal.
Create opportunities for student leadership and involvement. Encourage students to take on leadership roles in clubs and organizations. Give them chances to learn new things and gain work experience.
Provide career support. Career counseling, job search resources, and internships are available to help students prepare for their future careers.
Ensure accessibility. Ensure that the campus and its facilities are accessible to individuals with disabilities, and make appropriate adjustments when necessary.
This collaborative environment helps to facilitate learning and promote a sense of community among all members of the educational institution, including students.
Technology to help with student-centered approach
Universities help students to better prepare for their future careers. A student-centered approach offers real-world experiences like internships and research projects, connecting academic knowledge to practical applications. But to unlock the full potential of individualized learning opportunities, universities should leverage the technology. As written in the Connected Student Report:
The Salesforce survey shows that the importance of having technology at a student’s disposal outpaces the importance of onboarding and satisfaction with services.
Source: Connected Student Report, Third Edition, Salesforce
Technology plays a significant role in the student-centered approach. It opens up exciting opportunities for both students and educators. Students benefit from personalized learning experiences, access to a wealth of resources, and the flexibility to learn at their own pace. Educators, on the other hand, can harness technology to analyze student data, tailor instruction, and provide timely feedback.
This symbiotic relationship between technology and education enhances learning outcomes and equips students and educators with valuable digital skills, preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century. It’s a dynamic fusion that drives educational excellence.
