Applying Learner-Centered Principles in Teacher Education

Applying the Learner-Centered Psychological Principles (LCPs) in teacher preparation programs and courses provides teacher educators with opportunities to model effective learner-centered practices and promote student motivation and learning. This article addresses issues related to the application of the LCPs in higher education, specifically, the promotion of self-regulated learning and the importance of examining preservice teachers' beliefs regarding students, learning, and teaching. Learner-centered instructional practices in teacher education courses are suggested for each of the four LCP factors/domains, including strategies for promoting teacher reflection and knowledge construction, offering students choices, encouraging collaboration, and accommodating individual differences through criterion-referenced mastery grading.