Hongxia Shan

CSEW Working Group-Democratizing Workplace Learning

Abstract:The learner-centred education approach is a paradigm shift from the traditional underpinning of education where learning is upheld as a result of, and a response to the transmission of authoritarian and coded knowledge. It legitimizes learners’ experiences by allowing the space for the learners to participate in the process of knowledge construction. However, the learner-centred approach does not entail diminished teacher roles. Rather it necessitates teachers to enact their knowledge and resources to co-produce possible and effective learning projects for and with the learners. Based on two computer literacy courses, conducted in the manner of participatory action research, for a number of immigrant women in Toronto, Canada, I argue that it is both inevitable and important for teachers to assume roles of significance, such as course directors, resource providers, as well as class facilitators to effect learner-centred environment.