The influence of a student-centred education intervention on the perceptions of lecturers at a university of technology

Abstract

Student-centredness is an approach to education that has existed for almost 250 years. When focusing on higher education, student-centredness can be considered a way of putting students' interests ahead of curriculum and administration. However, the way educators implement this strategy can be intimidating, and their perceptions of the concept and its application in their classrooms can significantly influence its success. The study provided educators at a University of Technology (UoT) with the opportunity to describe their perceptions of the student-centred teacher training intervention in which they participated, as well as their subsequent actions to reorient education practices toward student centredness in their teaching environments. Inductive thematic analysis was used to create codes (quirks) from the information gathered using two instruments (semi-structured interviews and digital questionnaires). The codes created were linked to the conceptual framework that emphasized interactivity, individuality and a supportive and inspiring learning environment. Seven main themes were identified, with four of the themes related to the influence of the teacher training intervention and its impression on the lecturer’s perceptions of student centredness, and three themes focused on the self-reported influence of the intervention on the lecturer’s teaching styles. The primary findings of the study are: 1. Student-centred teacher training interventions can influence educators' perceptions of student-centredness in a positive way; 2. UoTs have distinct student profiles that necessitate targeted interventions for implementing student-centredness; 3. Transforming learning spaces at UoTs into interactive and supportive environments is critical for implementing student-centredness, and 4. Teacher training interventions focusing on students' needs are essential for fostering a student-centred classroom.