On Learner-Centered Education

By Janpha Thadphoothon

First let’s consider the three concepts of the French revolutionary ideals.

• • Liberté (Liberty)

• • Egalité (Equality)

• • Fratenité (Fraternity)

I shall assert here, if I may, that the three core values are the principles underlying civic education. I have slightly adapted Caldwell’s elaboration of such values as follows:

Liberty or choice respects the right of parents and students to choose a school or a course that meets their needs and aspirations.

Equality or equity refers to assurance that students with similar needs and aspirations will be treated in the same manner in the course of their education.

Fraternity or access means that all students will have access to the kind of education or support systems that matches their needs and aspirations.

(Caldwell, 2000)

In any formal schooling structure, there exist at least two parties: the students and the teachers. Conventionally, the teachers’ main duty is to impart something e.g. knowledge or information to the students. The students, on the other hand, are the recipients, who passively memorize what has been told. Such an environment is often referred to as the teacher-centered education. This kind of education often implies the asymmetrical power relationship between the two parties.

The teacher-centered education which has been relevant since the dawn of mankind has gradually lost its magic due mainly to two forces: the democratic movement and the humanistic one.

The overall flaws of such education can best be described by The Foundation for Children (FFC) which has attacked the mainstream education in Thailand as having fetal flaws:

“ The rote learning, the use of authority, the dominant and overpowering role of the teachers and the harsh punishment used commonly in schools suffocates the potential of children. This system, which mechanically gears towards vocational training and equipping the population with occupational skills to serve the government and the private sector, deeply effects the Thai society. Learning only to memorize and regurgitate information, to sit still and not express thoughts, creates 'non-thinkers'. “

Source: http://www.ffc.or.th/htmleng/edupage/page.htm