Classroom Management

(Running Learning centers within the classroom)

July 27, 2004 Janice Lefebvre

prepared by
Mohammed Mokhlis
Biare Abderrahim

LC methodology is genuine in the teaching of EFL/ESL communicatively. It allows learners to manipulate the target language in a relaxing, user-friendly atmosphere. It also lowers the learners' self-consciousness and enhances the spirit of team work.

Learning centers make students learn by doing and shift the instructors' role from being the only active member in the classroom to the role of a mediator whose main task is to facilitate and adjust learning strategies.

However, Learning centers technique calls for the sense of good management; the instructor has to be well prepared in advance so as to be able to run the planned activities in a smooth, rational way. s/he has to reflect on the procedures taking into account the students' actual needs and their level of proficiency. The materials should be handy and approprioate. A variety of materials enriches the workshops and makes of learning an enjoyable task.The instructor can use materials such as: articles, journals, bulletin boards, LC tickets, storage boxes, pocket charts..etc.

Language instruction in Learning Centers encompasses the four skills. Once the class is split into four sections : learning Centers ( Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing), students start working on each skill at a time; they have to complete the task and tick it on a LC ticket before they can move/ be admitted to another center.

The rational behind this LC technique is to enable students work on their own pace, using their learning strategies and reflecting on them, which will undoubtedly enhance their sense of responsibilty and achievement. The instructor monitors the centers to make sure that every student is improving equally in different areas.

Eventually, the use of Learning Centers in the laguage classroom instruction mirrors the belief that one can only learn by doing ( experiential learning). This kind of technique in dealing with language instruction puts emphasis on the fact that learning is active, cyclical, emotional and incidental to a large extent; It is more like a growing garden than building up a brick wall.