Implementing Learner-Centered Approach to Teaching Science in Higher Education

Abstract

This study was to examine the effectiveness of student-centered approach to teaching science in higher education on students’ performance, students’ motivation and students’ social skills. The population in this study was 22 students who were admitted to the single subject credential program. The participants registered in Methods and Materials in Middle School Science Teaching (CI 161). Students’ science achievement was measured by using the pre-test and a post-test achievement test that created by this researcher based on expectancy and goals of the course. Also, this research used two questionnaires were conducted at the end of the academic semester to measure students’ motivation towards science learning and the second one to measure the influence of this approach on students' social skills. The result was implementing student-centered approach to teaching science in higher education has positive influences on students’ performance, students’ motivation and students’ social skills.