Eric.ed.gov – Centered on Results: Assessing the Impact of Student-Centered Learning

While many of the concepts and approaches that comprise student-centered learning have deep roots in learning theory, the cognitive sciences, and youth and child development, empirical research on student-centered learning’s impact in K-12 classrooms remains limited. This report offers highlights from three studies commissioned by Nellie Mae, researched by Education Connection, American Institutes for Research (AIR) and Stanford Center for Opportunity Policy in Education (SCOPE) to examine student-centered learning in depth–what it looks like, and how students may benefit. Together, these studies strengthen the evidence base for those seeking to identify practices that will produce the greatest benefits for students. Furthermore, they provide new insights into how to achieve the highest outcomes equitably. These studies look at how to ensure that all students–including those in underserved groups–get an opportunity to reach the common goal of college and career readiness. [For the full studies see, “Blended Instruction: Measuring the Impact of Technology-Enhanced, Student-Centered Learning on the Academic Engagement, Skills Acquisition, and Achievement of Underserved Students” (ED611297), “An Up-Close Look at Student-Centered Math Teaching: A Study of Highly Regarded High School Teachers and Their Students” (ED611376), and “Student-Centered Schools: Closing the Opportunity Gap” (ED611377).]