Teaching the Subject vs.Teaching the Student: Which One is Better?

"Student-Centered" teaching is when the teaching revolves around the student, and not the subject. For instance, a teacher should first realize what the student knows, how the student learns, their background, their likes and dislikes, etc. before trying to "teach" them anything. "Subject-Centered" teaching is when the subject in itself gave way. It is important to remember who you are teaching. You are teaching a classroom full of students who are ready adn willing to learn. For your students to learn you must present the material in a way that will most benefit them so they can retain it and use it later in their everyday lives. The student is a huge (if not the most important) part in teaching. Even though a teacher may love to present a subject in its pure form, they still have to take into account who they are talking to. For instance, if a subject is moving too slow when teaching a really bright set of students, you will lose their attention very quickly. In this case a teacher would need to speed up or ask really in-depth/complex questions in order to keep their attention. On the other hand, if the students are slower at the subject, it is important not to lose them. Therefore examples to show them how easy the concept is, with the simplest examples, or how useful a concept is, with a really appropriate or funny application are needed to keep them focused.

I believe that student-centered instruction is more important. For a student to learn best they need to be motivated. Student centred instruction drives student centred motivation. When children are motivated, and know that they have choices and autonomy in their learning, they will be more open and eagar to learn subjects. I am not saying never teach subjects, but to create a learning environment where children feel valued, and therefore choose to learn.