The Application of Carl Rogers ' Person - Centered Learning Theory to Web - Based Instruction

This paper provides a review of literature that relates research on Carl Rogers' person-centered learning theory to Web-based learning. Based on the review of the literature, a set of criteria is described that can be used to determine how closely a Web-based course matches the different components of Rogers' person-centered learning theory. Using the criteria based on Rogers' learning theory and the person-centered model of instruction developed by Miller and Mazur (2001), a case example of a Web-centric course is evaluated. The case study evaluation results are discussed in terms of the following criteria: (1) the course provides an emphasis on the learners' interests, personal ability, and prior knowledge of the instructional topic; (2) the facilitative instructor should connect students' knowledge and interests with content principles of the course; (3) the facilitative instructor should select an environment that supports collaborative learning and learner control; (4) the facilitative instructor allows students to develop individually achievable objectives based on their interests and abilities within the context of the course, which could be done in the form of a written contract with the facilitative instructor; (5) the facilitative instructor allows students to develop forms of self-evaluation to demonstrate significant learning based on the individual students' learning objectives; (6) learners work with the facilitative instructor to organize the areas of interest to cover so he or she can meet the needs of the students' learning objectives and maximize the learning potential; (7) the facilitative instructor identifies, selects, and presents to the learners resources to enhance their learning experience; (8) the learners conduct self-evaluation based on their individual learning objectives outlined in their learning contracts; and (9) outcomes of the course should show significant learning. These nine criteria can be used to identify the extent that a Web-based course fits with Rogers' person-centered learning theory. (Contains 25 references.) (Author/AEF) Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made from the original document. The Application of Carl Rogers' Person-Centered Learning Theory to Web-Based Instruction By: Christopher T. Miller PERMISSION TO REPRODUCE AND DISSEMINATE THIS MATERIAL HAS BEEN GRANTED BY