Exploring the Student-Centered Learning Practices: Junior High School Teachers in Focus

Abstract

This study delved into the challenges teachers encounter transitioning from traditional teaching methods to student-centered learning in junior high schools. The participants for this study were twelve (12) public junior high school faculty who are still teaching during the school year 2022-2023. The results of the study disclosed the student-centered learning practices of junior high school teachers. The findings revealed common themes, namely, adapting pedagogy, empowering students, and limited meaningful classroom practices. The teachers’ coping mechanisms consider the three major themes: balancing traditions, innovation, and colleague support, effective classroom culture, and management. The educational management insight was drawn from the study and emerged three themes such as student engagement and motivation, teacher-centered to student-centered, and collaboration and peer learning. Engaging students in the learning process increases their attention and focus and moves them to more critical thinking. Instructors who adopt a student-centered approach to instruction increase opportunities for student engagement, which helps everyone more successfully achieve the course's learning objectives. Further, the discussion highlights the potential future directions and actions that can help teachers address the challenges of balancing traditions with student-centered learning in junior high schools.