--- title: 7 Student-Centred Learning Theories for Educators description: Choose a learning approach to use in your next online course with this helpful glossary of student-centred learning theories. image: https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/august-post-1artboard-2-copy3x.png --- [![OpenLearning Logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/5f6fb7cbdbe1b69641ddf9fe/5f71c1cd44fb7b7354aed8e9_Open%20Learning%20Logo.webp)](https://blog.openlearning.com) - Educators - Get Inspired Curated content to help you create, market and deliver world-class education. - [Beginner Course Creators](https://blog.openlearning.com/openlearning-blog-beginner-course-creators?hsLang=en) - [Employee Onboarding and Training](https://blog.openlearning.com/onboarding-training?hsLang=en) - [Marketing Your Course](https://blog.openlearning.com/marketing?hsLang=en) ![icon-1](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/icon-1.png) - [Downloadable Resources](https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/bufc4bjkqmflegwai5t3s/ADOkkCFNU1LsxShHdPOz7ss?rlkey=e0ne00og4hp6ux1ut6wvomh9l&st=zfyrc58o&dl=0) Templates to help you plan and manage your online course project. ![Nav_Icon_2](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/Nav_Icon_2.svg) ![external-link-alt-regular](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/external-link-alt-regular.svg) - [Workshops and Webinars](https://solutions.openlearning.com/events?hsLang=en) Browse upcoming events and access on-demand webinars. ![Nav_Icon_3](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/Nav_Icon_3.svg) ![external-link-alt-regular](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/external-link-alt-regular.svg) - [Lifelong Learners](https://blog.openlearning.com/learners?hsLang=en) - [Product Updates](https://blog.openlearning.com/tag/updates) - [Subscribe](https://blog.openlearning.com/#hs_cos_wrapper_module_1623683371629468) [Try it for free](https://solutions.openlearning.com/contact/sales?hsLang=en) ![search icon](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/search-regular-icon.svg) [Try it for free](https://solutions.openlearning.com/contact/sales?hsLang=en) # 7 Student-Centred Learning Theories for Educators By [Eikris Biala](https://blog.openlearning.com/author/eikris-biala) min read Share ### Contents - 1. Active Learning - 2. Case-Based Learning - 3. Collaborative Learning - 4. Experiential Learning - 5. Inquiry-Based/ Problem-Based Learning - 6. Productive Failure - 7. Project-Based Learning 688 A powerful way to design your course is to consider which learning approach you will use. Learning approaches are ways of addressing the knowledge and skills you want your course participants to develop. Your approach would depend on the objectives and outcomes of your course and the student experience you want to create. Here is a helpful glossary of student-centred learning approaches you can use in your next online course. Note, many of these learning approaches overlap as they share the same underlying assumption — that learning is an active process of creating and building meaning.   ## Active Learning An active learning approach involves engaging participants in a broad range of activities that enable them to **generate and build their own understanding** of the concept or topic. These activities involve students using their own words to explain a concept, connecting new and established ideas, unpacking information and building their own conclusions. Activity examples include brainstorming, discussions, reflective activities, using case studies and role playing. ![Screen Shot 2018-08-06 at 1.52.35 PM.png](https://blog.openlearning.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/screen-shot-2018-08-06-at-1-52-35-pm.png?width=640&height=416&name=screen-shot-2018-08-06-at-1-52-35-pm.png) *Example of active learning from [Introduction to Ecotourism](https://www.openlearning.com/csu/courses/introduction-to-ecotourism/HomePage)*   ## Case-Based Learning This approach **uses real-world examples or case studies** as a way of learning about key concepts and principles. These examples or case studies often present a relevant issue or challenge to which students apply their skills and knowledge, determine cause and effect and recommend alternative courses of action. This approach is useful for learning about concepts in the context of the real world where the answers are not always black and white but subject to various factors in the environment.   ## Collaborative Learning A collaborative learning approach involves participants **working in pairs or groups** to solve a problem, complete a task or create a product. These group activities are often designed to reflect [real-world professional scenarios](https://learninghub.openlearning.com/2017/07/28/how-to-use-real-world-scenarios-in-activity-design/) where participants practice real skills and learn to work with others effectively. The added benefit of collaborative learning is students become exposed to different work styles and needs which will go towards developing their social and emotional intelligence.   ## Experiential Learning Rather than have students read or watch a video about their topic of study, [experiential learning](https://learninghub.openlearning.com/2015/12/04/experiential-learning-breaking-down-the-learning-cycle/) involves students experiencing it first-hand, making observations and **learning from their experience**. David Kolb, who popularised experiential learning, described this approach as a four-stage cycle that involves: 1. Concrete experience - where students actively experience their learning 2. Reflection - where students reflect back on their experience 3. Abstraction - where students create a conceptual model or theory of what they have learned 4. Active experimentation - where students test their theory or model Examples include involving role-play, scenario play, field trips and experiments. ![Screen Shot 2018-08-06 at 2.48.49 PM](https://blog.openlearning.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/screen-shot-2018-08-06-at-2-48-49-pm.png?width=651&height=205&name=screen-shot-2018-08-06-at-2-48-49-pm.png) *Example of reflecting on experience from [Instructional Design for Effective Learning](https://www.openlearning.com/education/courses/instructional-design-effective-learning/Home)*   ## Inquiry-Based / Problem-Based Learning Inquiry-based learning takes place over several weeks. Participants are presented with a complex problem or question and **direct their own learning by asking further questions**.  Students are supported to do their own research, discover relevant information and come up with their own informed conclusions. Inquiry-based learning is particularly useful for developing scientific thinking, communication and problem-solving skills.   ## Productive Failure The productive failure approach is characterised by students **exploring a problem with little direct instruction followed by an intervention** of direct instruction that allows students to correct their misunderstandings and reinforce key principles. This early exploration phase is designed for students to develop their own ideas, methods and reasoning for solving complex problems, which will help them to succeed in the long run; hence the name 'productive failure'.   ## Project-Based Learning In [project-based learning](https://learninghub.openlearning.com/2015/10/15/taking-learning-to-the-next-level-through-project-based-learning/), students work independently or in groups to **create an end-product or present findings for a key project**. Like collaborative learning, these projects often reflect real-world challenges and the participant will need to use their thinking and management skills to produce something that is relevant and meaningful.  Participants are supported to do their own research, gather information and generate their own ideas, similar to inquiry-based learning. ![Screen Shot 2018-08-06 at 5.38.53 PM](https://blog.openlearning.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Imported_Blog_Media/screen-shot-2018-08-06-at-5-38-53-pm.png?width=634&height=497&name=screen-shot-2018-08-06-at-5-38-53-pm.png) *Example of project-based learning from [AR VR The Promise of Sci-Fi](https://online.sunway.edu.my/courses/augmented-and-virtual-reality/HomePage)*   We hope this list has been useful! Which approach do you use or would you use for your course? Share your ideas or experience in the comments below! Topics: [Course Design Tips](https://blog.openlearning.com/tag/course-design-tips) Liked this post? Don’t forget to share it! ### Recommended Resources May 7, 2026 ### [The Making of NSW’s Digital Athlete Program by Learning Plan](https://blog.openlearning.com/the-making-of-nsws-digital-athlete-program-by-learning-plan?hsLang=en) [Continue Reading ![right arrow](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/arrow-right-icon.png)](https://blog.openlearning.com/the-making-of-nsws-digital-athlete-program-by-learning-plan?hsLang=en) April 2, 2026 ### [What Changes When Course Teams Streamline Build And Delivery](https://blog.openlearning.com/what-changes-when-course-teams-streamline-build-and-delivery?hsLang=en) [Continue Reading ![right arrow](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/arrow-right-icon.png)](https://blog.openlearning.com/what-changes-when-course-teams-streamline-build-and-delivery?hsLang=en) March 16, 2026 ### [Online Learning Engagement Starts With the Right Course Design](https://blog.openlearning.com/how-ai-enhances-student-engagement-in-online-learning?hsLang=en) [Continue Reading ![right arrow](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/arrow-right-icon.png)](https://blog.openlearning.com/how-ai-enhances-student-engagement-in-online-learning?hsLang=en) ## Get more resources in your inbox ![back to top button](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/Images/back-to-top.png) Company - [About us](https://solutions.openlearning.com/about) - [Team](https://solutions.openlearning.com/team) - [Careers](https://solutions.openlearning.com/careers) - [Press](https://solutions.openlearning.com/press) - [Blog](https://blog.openlearning.com) - [Investors](https://solutions.openlearning.com/investor-center) - [Contact](https://solutions.openlearning.com/contact) Use cases - [Case studies](https://solutions.openlearning.com/case-studies) - [Professional development](https://solutions.openlearning.com/internal-learning-development) - [MOOCs](https://solutions.openlearning.com/moocs) Platform - [Features](https://solutions.openlearning.com/platform-features) - [Philosophy](https://solutions.openlearning.com/learning-philosophy) - [Pricing](https://solutions.openlearning.com/pricing) - [Course marketplace](https://www.openlearning.com/courses/) - [Partners](https://www.openlearning.com/partners/) Support - [Learning Design](https://solutions.openlearning.com/learning-design-services) - [Marketing](https://solutions.openlearning.com/marketing-services) - [Help & support](https://help.openlearning.com/) - [Research](https://solutions.openlearning.com/research) - [Events](https://solutions.openlearning.com/events) - [Learning Designers' Toolkit](https://medium.com/learning-designers-toolkit) - [COVID-19](https://solutions.openlearning.com/covid-19) Resources - [OpenCreds](https://solutions.openlearning.com/opencreds) - [BEST Network](https://www.best.edu.au/) - [UNSW Transition Programme Online](https://www.unswcollege.edu.au/study/foundation-studies-overview) - [CS101](https://www.cs101.com/) Follow us on social media ![Follow OpenLearning on LinkedIn](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/5f71dd6a12c4ea5089f6ffe6_linkedin.svg) [![Follow OpenLearning on Instagram](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/5f71dd6ba85b924388d32db2_instagramm.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/openlearningcom/) [![Follow OpenLearning on Facebook](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/5f71dd6aa7133903129695ee_facebook.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/openlearning_global) [![Follow OpenLearning on Twitter](https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/5f71dd6a96a9290ccd6928af_twitter.svg)](https://facebook.com/OpenLearning) © 2026 OpenLearning Limited (ASX: OLL) - [Terms of service](https://solutions.openlearning.com/terms-of-service) - [Privacy policy](https://solutions.openlearning.com/privacy-policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Eikris Biala", "url" : "https://blog.openlearning.com/author/eikris-biala" }, "dateModified" : "2022-01-03T04:23:39.351Z", "datePublished" : "2018-08-09T04:00:11.000Z", "headline" : "7 Student-Centred Learning Theories for Educators", "image" : [ "https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/august-post-1artboard-2-copy3x.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.openlearning.com/2018/08/09/a-glossary-of-learning-approaches", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.openlearning.com/hubfs/OpenLearning-Logo.png" }, "name" : "OpenLearning" } } ```