Well-known child psychologist and philosopher Jean Piaget emphasized the significance of child-centred approaches to education. The basic premise is for the child to obtain the maximum level of developing his competence and personality. Rather than focusing on a teacher-centered approach, authorities in learning should properly consider the child’s learning style, interest, ability and his individual requirements.
Education is always a two-way process where the students can voice out their opinions and the teacher facilitates. Child-centered approaches require the child to actively participate in classroom discussions. Learning methodologies are constructed by both the teacher and the student. Piaget, together with world renowned theorists Lev Vygotsky and John Dewey, collectively worked on various ideas that are geared towards moving the child to vigorously take part in the learning process.
Jean Piaget stressed on the important role of having a didactic structure that is mainly established based on trust and confidence. Nowadays, there are various center-based learning programs that start during preschool. The child is given some relevant instructions through play. This is exactly the idea that had been introduced by prominent educator Maria Montessori. Shaping the teaching methods should be founded on the child’s inquisitiveness as well as his line of interest.
The students are no longer set aside when it comes to creating present day school curriculum. A child should experience freedom in learning and there should be no tension between the educator and the student. Although there still a certain degree of control that is being exercised by the teachers, the struggle towards children’s freedom is no longer present or is effectively minimized. A progressive and critical pedagogy can be achieved if the child is no longer being constrained in joining the group discussion.
The receptiveness of a child is greatly enhanced because of the openness of the system of learning. Modern day schools now form their syllabus based on Piaget’s models of intellectual development. This program is beneficial for both teachers and students as it rapidly builds interdependence and mutual respect. Moreover, the flexible methods of learning place so much reliance on the child’s autonomy and sense of responsibility.
In this contemporary set up, emphasizing on deeper learning techniques that can bring out the talents and skills of a student is extremely crucial. Aside from inculcating self-reliance and a sense of accountability and responsibility, the child’s ability to decide on his own is also encouraged. The teacher’s role is to smoothen the process of child development and to support the child every step of the way.
