Inquiry Proposal

Inquiry Proposal

Proposal: Moving away from a traditional instructor-centered learning environment into a student-centered, active learning environment.

Rationale: Our goal is to introduce attendees to the rationale behind active learning strategies and specific ways that the switch from teacher-centered to learner-centered classroom can be made, regardless of the class size.

Belief: Moving away from a traditional instructor-centered learning environment into a student-centered, active learning environment can stimulate students to function at the highest levels of learning.

Collaboration: Making education more students and learning centered is going to require a redefinition of the role for both the student and the instructor.

Teacher Research Questions and Inquiry Proposal Topics to pursue in Literature Review:

 What is active learning?

 How can you determine if the learning environment is instructor-centered or student-centered?

 Is instructor-centered or student-centered learning environment most appropriate for effective learning?

 How does the role of the student and the instructor change?

 Why should instructors use learner-centered approaches in their teaching?

 What are the five learner-centered practice areas that need to change to achieve learner-centered teaching?

Reason: One way of creating an active-learning environment in a large classroom is the use of case studies. Active learning shifts the focus from the teacher and delivery of course content to the student and active engagement with the material. Through active learning techniques and modeling by the teacher, students shed the traditional role as passive receptors and learn and practice how to apprehend knowledge and skills and use them meaningfully.