Applying Learner-Centered Principles to Teaching Human Behavior in the Social Environment in a Baccalaureate Program

Abstract

Changes in the demographics of American undergraduate students must be addressed by changes in delivery of the curriculum. The learner-centered approach to education helps to recognize and integrate student diversity with class exercises and assignments designed to help students meet course learning outcomes. This article applies the American Psychological Association's Learner-Centered Psychological Principles to a BSW course in human behavior in the social environment. The learner-centered environment incorporates students' individual learning styles and promotes critical thinking necessary for students to satisfy both the CSWE standards for accredited social work programs and those of the social work profession.

Keywords:

• teaching for learning
• learner-centered principles
• learning-centered environment
• student-centered learning