learner-centred
|learn-er-cent-red|
🇺🇸
/ˌlɝnərˈsɛntərd/
🇬🇧
/ˌlɜːnə(r)ˈsentrɪd/
focused on the learner
Etymology
'learner-centred' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'learner' and 'centred'. 'Learner' ultimately comes from Old English 'leornere' (from the verb 'leornian') where 'leorn-' meant 'to learn', and 'centred' comes via Old French 'centre' from Latin 'centrum' (from Greek 'kentron') where 'centrum/kentron' meant 'a point or center.'
'learner-centred' developed as educational terminology in the 20th century by combining the agent noun 'learner' with the past-participial/adjectival form 'centred' (from 'centre'); previously related phrases included 'student-centred' and 'learner-centered' (US spelling).
Initially, components referred simply to 'one who learns' and 'having a center'; over time the compound evolved to mean specifically an educational orientation that prioritizes the learner's perspective and needs.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
describing an approach to education or training that places the learner's needs, interests, abilities and learning processes at the centre of planning and decision-making (as opposed to teacher-centred).
The school adopted a learner-centred curriculum to encourage students' autonomy and active learning.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/05 22:58