What is meant by ‘child-centered’ approaches in education?

A 'child-centered' approach in education fundamentally emphasizes the interests, needs, and experiences of the children themselves. In this methodology, the learning environment is tailored to allow children the opportunity to lead their learning journeys based on what intrigues them, promoting engagement, motivation, and a deeper understanding of concepts. This approach recognizes that children are active participants in their education and encourages them to explore and discover through hands-on experiences, creativity, and personal expression.

By centering the learning process around the child's interests, educators create an environment that fosters intrinsic motivation and a love for learning, recognizing that each child is unique, with their own pace of development and personal interests. This approach contrasts sharply with more traditional models that may prioritize standardized testing or a uniform curriculum that does not take individual differences into account.