The LCP or Learner-centered Psychological Principles were put together by the American Psychological Association. The following 14 psychological principles pertain to the learner and the earning process.
The 14 principles are divided into those referring to:
Cognitive and metacognitive
Motivational and affective
Developmental and social
Individual difference factors
COGNITIVE AND METACOGNITIVE FACTOR
Nature of Learning Process
The learning of complex subject matter is most effective when it is an international process of constructing meaning from information and experience.
Goals of the Learning Process
The successful learner, over time and with support and instructional guidance, can create meaningful, coherent representations of knowledge.
Construction of Knowledge
The successful learner can link new information with existing knowledge in meaningful ways. Knowledge widens and deepens as students continue to build links between new information and experiences and their existing knowledge base.
Strategic Thinking
The successful learner can create and use a repertoire of thinking and reasoning strategies to achieve complex learning goals. Successful learners use in their approach to learning reasoning, problem solving, and concept learning.
Thinking about thinking
Successful learners can reflect on how they think and learn, set reasonable learning or performances goals, select potentially appropriate learning strategies or methods, and monitor their progress towards these goals.
MOTIVATIONAL AND AFFECTIVE FACTOR
Motivational and emotional influences on learning
The rich internal world of thoughts, beliefs, goals, and expectation for success or failure can enhance or interfere with the learner’s quality of thinking and information processing.
Intrinsic motivation to learn
Intrinsic motivation is stimulated by tasks of optimal novelty and difficulty, relevant to personal interests, and providing for personal choice and control.
Effects of motivation on effort
Effort is another major indicator of motivation to learn. The acquisition of complex knowledge and skills demands the investment of considerable learner energy and strategic effort, along with persistence over time.
DEVELOPMENTAL AND SOCIAL FACTOR
Developmental influences on learning
Learning is most effective when differential developmental within and across physical, intellectual, emotional, and social domains is taken into account. Individuals learn best when material is appropriate to their developmental level and is presented in an enjoyable and interesting way.
Social influences on learning
Learning can be enhanced when the learner has an opportunity to interact and to collaborate with others on instructional tasks.
INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES FACTOR
Individual differences in learning
Individuals are born with and develop their own capabilities and talents. Educators need to help students examine their learning preferences and expand or modify them, if necessary.
Learning and diversity
The same basic principles of learning, motivation, and effective instruction apply to all learners.
Standards and assessment
Assessment provides important information to both the learner and teacher at all stages of the learning process.
Advocate for the use of the 14 principles in the teaching-learning process.
Advocating for the use of the 14 learner-centered principles in the teaching-learning process is essential for creating effective and meaningful educational experiences. These principles prioritize the needs, interests, and engagement of learners, ultimately leading to better outcomes and a more positive learning environment. Here are several reasons to support the implementation of these principles:
Enhanced Learning Engagement: Learner-centered principles promote active participation and engagement in the learning process. When students are actively involved in their education, they are more likely to be motivated and committed to learning.
Individualized Learning: Each learner is unique, with their own strengths, weaknesses, and learning styles. A learner-centered approach recognizes and accommodates these differences, allowing for more personalized instruction and support.
Increased Retention: When students are actively engaged and have opportunities to apply their learning in meaningful ways, they are more likely to retain the information and skills they acquire. This leads to deeper understanding and long-term knowledge retention.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Learner-centered principles often involve activities that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making. These skills are crucial for success in the real world and can be developed through learner-centered approaches.
Autonomy and Self-Direction: Learner-centered principles encourage students to take ownership of their learning. This helps them develop autonomy and self-direction, which are essential skills for lifelong learning.
Fostering Creativity: Many learner-centered approaches emphasize creativity and innovation. When students have the freedom to explore and express their ideas, they are more likely to develop creative thinking skills.
Improved Communication Skills: Collaborative and interactive learning environments, which are often part of learner-centered approaches, help students develop better communication and interpersonal skills.
Cultural Sensitivity: Recognizing and respecting the diverse backgrounds and experiences of learners is a key aspect of learner-centered principles. This fosters a more inclusive and culturally sensitive learning environment.
Real-World Relevance: Learner-centered approaches often involve real-world applications of knowledge and skills, making the learning experience more relevant and meaningful for students.
Positive Learning Environment: When students feel that their needs and interests are being valued and addressed, they are more likely to have a positive attitude towards learning and a higher level of satisfaction with their education.
Adaptation to Changing Needs: The 14 learner-centered principles can adapt to changing educational needs and contexts. They provide a flexible framework that can be applied in various educational settings and with different age groups.
Continuous Improvement: By focusing on continuous feedback and reflection, learner-centered principles promote a culture of continuous improvement in teaching practices and curriculum design.
Lifelong Learning: Learner-centered principles instill in students the value of lifelong learning and the skills to pursue it independently.
Preparation for the Future: In a rapidly changing world, the ability to learn and adapt is a critical skill. Learner-centered approaches prepare students for future challenges and opportunities.
In summary, advocating for the use of the 14 learner-centered principles in the teaching-learning process is about putting students at the center of education, tailoring instruction to their needs, and preparing them for success in a dynamic and ever-changing world. By embracing these principles, we can create more effective, engaging, and meaningful educational experiences for all learners.
Identify ways how to apply the 14 principles in instruction as a future teacher.
The 14 Principles of Instruction, as developed by Dr. Robert Gagné, provide a framework for effective instructional design. As a future teacher, you can apply these principles in your teaching practices to create engaging and effective learning experiences for your students. Here are ways to do so:
Gain Attention: Begin your lessons with an attention-grabbing introduction or a thought-provoking question to engage students' interest and curiosity.
Inform Learners of Objectives: Clearly communicate the learning objectives at the beginning of each lesson, so students know what to expect and what they are expected to achieve.
Stimulate Recall of Prior Learning: Activate students' prior knowledge by asking questions related to previous lessons or experiences, helping them connect new information to what they already know.
Present the Content: Present new information in a clear and organized manner, breaking it down into manageable chunks to prevent cognitive overload.
Provide Learning Guidance: Offer guidance, scaffolding, and support to help students understand complex concepts. This could include step-by-step instructions, examples, or visual aids.
Elicit Performance: Encourage active participation and practice by asking questions, assigning tasks, or providing opportunities for hands-on learning.
Provide Feedback: Offer timely and constructive feedback to help students correct their mistakes and improve their performance.
Assess Performance: Assess students' understanding and skill acquisition through various methods such as quizzes, tests, projects, or peer evaluations.
Enhance Retention and Transfer: Help students retain information by using strategies like spaced repetition and encouraging them to apply what they've learned to real-world situations.
Engage Learners in Reciprocal Teaching: Encourage peer teaching and group discussions, where students take on the role of the teacher, to reinforce their understanding and develop communication skills.
Use Learner's Natural Learning Processes: Consider the individual learning styles and preferences of your students, and adapt your teaching methods to accommodate them.
Use Feedback to Guide Revision: Use formative assessment results to adjust your teaching methods and materials to better meet the needs of your students.
Minimize Time and Effort Required for Learning: Strive to make learning efficient by eliminating unnecessary steps or content, focusing on what is essential for achieving the learning objectives.
Provide Real-World Learning Contexts: Whenever possible, connect the content to real-life situations and examples, helping students see the practical applications of what they are learning.
Remember that these principles can be adapted and combined to suit various instructional contexts and subjects. Effective teaching often involves a mix of these principles to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that meets the needs of your students.