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Learner-Centered
Psychological
Principles
Content
QUOTE
“It is not about what
teachers cover; it is about
what students discover.” —
Anonymous
Content
Role of Psychology: Helps
understand human behavior,
learner diversity, and
improves teaching strategies.
Goal: Make learning
meaningful, appropriate, and
effective for every learner.
Content
Lesson
Objectives:
Explain the 14 learner-centered
principles
Understand their implications for
teachers
Analyze classroom applications
Suggest effective teaching
strategies
Content
The 14 Learner-Centered Principles
Categorized into 4 groups:
1. Cognitive & Metacognitive
Factors
2. Motivational & Affective Factors
3. Developmental & Social Factors
4. Individual Difference Factors
Source: American Psychological
Association (APA), 1997
Content
Cognitive & Metacognitive Factors
Constructing meaning: Learning is active, intentional
building of knowledge from experience.
Building understanding: Learners organize knowledge into
coherent ideas over time.
Connecting knowledge: Link new information to what they
already know.
Strategic thinking: Use various reasoning strategies to
solve problems.
Higher-order thinking: Analyze, evaluate, and create
ideas.
Influence of environment: Learning is shaped by culture,
technology, and teaching methods.
Content
Motivational & Affective Factors
Motivation matters: What and how much is learned
depends on the learner’s drive.
Intrinsic vs Extrinsic:
- Intrinsic: Learn for personal satisfaction / interest
- Extrinsic: Learn for rewards or to avoid punishment
Curiosity & creativity: Stimulate natural interest
to sustain motivation.
Effort & practice: Mastery requires time, effort,
and guidance.
Emotions influence: Anxiety lowers learning;
confidence and joy boost it.
Content
Developmental & Social Factors
Developmental differences: Learning activities
must match the learner’s stage of growth.
Social interaction: Learning is enhanced
through collaboration, discussion, and
communication.
Relationships: Respect, cooperation, and peer
support build a healthy learning environment.
Readiness: Teachers must assess what learners
are ready to learn next.
Content
How to Apply These Principles
Cognitive: Concept mapping, real-life examples,
connecting past lessons.
Motivational: Choice of activities, positive
feedback, showing value of learning.
Social: Group projects, peer tutoring, class
discussions.
Developmental: Age-level activities, scaffolding,
gradual progression.
Individual: Multiple teaching methods, varied
assessments, cultural sensitivity.
Conclusion
Summary
Learner-centered principles focus on the student,
not just the lesson.
Learning is active, constructive, and influenced
by thinking, motivation, emotion, development,
and background.
The teacher acts as a facilitator — guiding,
supporting, and adapting.
Understanding these principles helps create
lessons that are effective, inclusive, and
lasting.