PEDAGOGY

Learning Methodologies

Learning Methodologies

Child-Centered Learning

The article “Child-Centered Learning and Musical Programs” discusses the subject of learning that revolves around the child rather than following a pre-defined syllabus. The content of this article shows a research conducted to find out the results of child centered learning and how can it help in the development of children. The idea of having musical programs to help children learn has been the primary tool in schools. Since children develop associations more quickly through music than traditional methods, it has been widely used all around the world to great success. Historically, great thinkers such as Froebel and Montessori have regarded musical learning as an important tool for cognitive development of children. The concept of child centered learning focuses on learning by arousing interest and desire among children. The research in the article argues on the role of the teacher in such forms of learning by stating that children should be allowed to learn through their own experiences. Teachers should only play a guiding role in the process and should not influence the child unduly.

In a musical learning program, children are given the liberty of choosing their own activities. Music during these sessions is generally made according to the tastes and liking of the children. Such kind of learning techniques can help in the development of cognitive, social and intellectual skills of a child, thus resulting in a better understanding of academic information. The most significant tool in child centered learning is that of play. This is the basic medium of learning for children and can help in refining social skills, development of perceptive abilities and emotional development. Every child should have sufficient “center” time in order to bring a level of confidence in him or her so that chances of stage fright may be reduced (Thompson ...