Embracing Effective Learner-Centered Approaches in Higher Education

In effective learner-centered approaches, students are in charge of their own learning. They actively participate in the lesson and interact with peers and faculty to share in decision-making in the classroom. Learner-centered teaching adapts to learners’ needs, using learning materials that are relevant to the students’ experiences and formative assessments to informally gauge student understanding.

According to a 2023 USAID evidence summary, learner-centered practices in higher education are associated with improved academic outcomes, greater learning engagement (including attendance and motivation), better preparation for the workforce, greater ability to work in teams, and higher graduation rates. Studies have also shown that students in learner-centered classrooms demonstrate higher motivation than those in traditional classrooms and have improved relationships with teachers and peers.

Here are four key takeaways from USAID research about implementing effective learner-centered teaching practices in higher education. Adopting these principles can enhance academic achievements and cultivate students who are involved, motivated, and empowered in their learning journey.

Empowering Faculty through Training

Faculty need training on how and why to implement learner-centered instruction. Effective faculty development programs provide explicit training in teaching methods, as well as ongoing support, to prepare faculty with the skills and confidence to engage in learner-centered instruction. Local context is key to successful training. In contexts where more authoritative methods of instruction are the norm, training should highlight the benefits of a learner-centered approach while demonstrating appropriate adult learning and active learning principles.

Preparing Students for Learner-Centered Instruction

Local context is also a key factor in helping students become comfortable with learner-centered instruction. In contexts where learner-centered instruction is uncommon, higher education institutions can offer a student orientation to learner-centered instruction before courses begin and provide new students with peer mentors and resources to be successful, including courses to enhance soft skills. Institutions may even consider a foundation year of core content courses that use learner-centered teaching methods—an opportunity for students to adjust to learner-centered classrooms while building other competencies and knowledge.

Adapting Learner-Centered Approaches to Online Education

Online and distance education courses are not exempt from the benefits of learner-centered approaches. A USAID evidence summary on online learning notes that the shift to teaching higher education courses online can often motivate faculty to revise their course planning to include more interactive learning activities. Online tools such as discussion forums, polls, online simulations, or instructional games can help faculty directly engage with students. Online learning analytics can measure student engagement in the course and help identify at-risk students.  

Measuring Learning Outcomes: No One Size Fits All

Given differences in institutional types, qualifications, and fields of study, measuring learning in higher education courses can be challenging. But various tools and resources can be adapted to different contexts and learning activities. They can measure cognitive knowledge, soft skills, and perspectives and attitudes. Measuring Learning Outcomes in USAID Higher Education Programming provides guidance on how USAID Missions, faculty, administrators, and implementing partners can work together to define higher education learning outcomes to target and measure progress. 

Have you implemented these learner-centered approaches in your work? Do you have examples of other ways to engage and empower higher education students in their learning journeys? Share what you’ve seen work—and not work—with the USAID Higher Education Learning Network (HELN) Member Discussions group on LinkedIn. The HELN provides a space for USAID staff and implementing partners, educators, administrators, and others working in higher education to share learner-centered practices and other knowledge. Join the network.