Learner centredness in high school distance learning: Teachers’ perspectives and research validated principles

Murphy, Elizabeth and Rodriguez-Manzanares, Maria A. (2009) Learner centredness in high school distance learning: Teachers’ perspectives and research validated principles. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 25 (5). pp. 597-610. ISSN 1449-5554

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Abstract

This paper reports on a study that examined teachers' perspectives on learner centredness in a distance learning context. Data collection relied on semi-structured interviews conducted with 42 Canadian high school teachers. Teachers' perspectives were analysed then categorised according to the four dimensions of a research validated framework of learner centred principles. The perspectives grouped into the cognitive and metacognitive dimension emphasised the goal oriented, student directed, personalised, and independent nature of distance learning. Those grouped into the dimension of motivational and affective factors emphasised course design driven, not by content, but by student interest, relevance, choice, and input. Perspectives in the dimension of developmental and social factors highlighted the role of discussion forums and chat for communication between students. In the dimension of individual differences, perspectives highlighted the asynchronous nature of distance learning that supports a flexible pace, respects individual needs, caters to different learning styles, allows diversity in assessment, one-on-one attention, support, and personalised attention.

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