Subject-centered

Subject-centered refers to an educational or instructional approach that prioritizes the content or subject matter being taught. This contrasts with student-centered approaches which prioritize the learners' needs and interests. In a subject-centered environment, the focus is on conveying information, skills, and knowledge related to the subject, with assessment frequently measuring mastery of the subject material. The teacher typically acts as the primary source of knowledge, guiding the learning process to ensure content coverage and adherence to established curricula. The goal is the complete and full acquisition of the subject.

Subject-centered meaning with examples

• The professor's lecture on quantum physics was undeniably subject-centered. His priority was explaining complex theories, not tailoring lessons to individual student interests, and the students are graded by exams of complex ideas. Every topic was covered in detail, providing students with all the fundamental equations. Student feedback was less of a concern.
• The high school's history curriculum is subject-centered, requiring students to memorize dates, names, and historical events, and the teacher lectured on a chronological order, which has been tested in essays. Critical thinking about historical context took a secondary role to complete memorization. The teacher considered this the most effective approach and that's all she's ever used.
• Many traditional textbooks employ a subject-centered design. Chapters are structured around key concepts and facts, and it’s often the goal that everything be taught without much thought of adapting to learners. Supplementary activities, like quizzes, reinforce the material presented. Their design aims to help students understand and retain the subject matter, not to relate the material to their own experiences.
• The training program for new engineers at the tech company used a subject-centered approach. The focus was on covering the company's hardware and its internal practices to a set syllabus, and testing trainees regularly. Teamwork and problem-solving skills were valuable but secondary to understanding the intricacies of the machines and procedures.