You're faced with inquiries about student-centered teaching methods. How should you handle them?

When I encounter questions about student-centered teaching methods, I adopt a collaborative and open approach to dialogue. I listen attentively to the concerns and suggestions presented, explaining the benefits of these methods, such as promoting critical thinking, student autonomy, and the development of life skills. I also share practical examples and research evidence that demonstrate the effectiveness of these approaches, always considering the specific context of the school and seeking solutions that can balance the expectations of all those involved in the educational process.

I once had a student catch me after class with a concern that our classroom activities were not meeting his needs. I asked him to detail what his concerns were. He spoke without pause for about 10 full minutes. While I didn't see much validity to many of the points he raised, I refrained from interrupting him and thanked him for taking the time to speak with me. If nothing else, I wanted to reinforce that my classroom was one where the student voice was always considered. Sometimes, the proper choice is to build by just listening. Even of further action is not taken immediately, your choice to listen is the first step.

As I began a section of US History, I was teaching a remedial section to some bright students who had failed their first attempt at the course (many for mental health related reasons). As I was reviewing the syllabus, one student commented "Why do we always have to start with colonial history? We have heard this SO many times before, and we never get to the modern and recent stuff." The rest of the class murmured some agreement. His point was valid, and easily solved. "Alright," I declared. "What I hear you saying is that you want to start with the current events and work backwards." They nodded. So that is what we did that term. It wasn't what I had initially planned, but I had engaged students! (They all passed that course btw).

I like this quote from Dr. Andre Harrison: "What will a new [student-centered approach] look like? Teachers will be collaborators and active co-constructors of learning, optimizing support for each student. Learners will make choices in how they learn, helping to design their own learning experiences and pathways and progressing through content as they demonstrate competence in projects that engage with communities outside the school. We can encourage students to set goals that are meaningful to them, draw on the passions and interests that drive them to learn, focus on knowledge domains (not subjects and courses), and develop the skills to become lifelong learners."