Constructivist Philosophy of Student-Centred Learning Approach in Indonesian Higher Education Context

Authors

  • Angga Maulana Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
  • Syihabuddin Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

Abstract

With an emphasis on the educational process in the setting of higher education, this research investigates the constructivist philosophy in the application of the student-centered learning (SCL) approach and the advantages and difficulties of applying constructivist theory to the SCL approach. This study applied a descriptive qualitative study. This study uses classroom observations and interviews conducted in a variety of teaching situations at a private institution in Bandung, Indonesia. According to the results, the majority of the teaching and learning process incorporates elements of constructivist philosophy, particularly the role of the lecturer, learner autonomy, active and collaborative learning, technology usage, assessment approachs, and knowledge production. It encourages more critical thinking, guided interactive learning experiences, and generally improves students’ engagement. The value of this research lies in the development and enhancement discourse on pedagogical approaches at higher education level, especially for an Indonesian situation where it may provide a significant approach to develop learning from constructivist perspective. However, the implementation of SCL faces several challenges, including differences in students’ readiness for self-directed learning directions and resistance to conventional pedagogy from some lecturers.

References

Ali, H. (2022). The role of constructivist teaching approachs in student-centered classrooms. Journal of Higher Education Studies, 13(2), 45-59.

Arifin, Z., Anggraini, Y., & Anwar, M. (2021). Student-centered learning in Indonesian higher education: Challenges and opportunities. Journal of Educational Science and Technology, 7(2), 95-105.

Blaschke, L. M. (2012). Heutagogy and lifelong learning: A review of heutagogical practice and self-determined learning. International Journal of Lifelong Education, 31(2), 139-151.

Blaschke, L. M., & Marín, V. I. (2020). Student-centered learning: Insights from theory and practice. Journal of Educational Psychology.

Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2019). Thematic analysis: A reflexive approach. Journal of Qualitative Research, 5(3), 15-30.

Buchem, I., et al. (2020). Technology and personalized learning: The role of digital tools in student-centered education. Journal of Educational Technology.

Cao, D. T. P., & Pho, P. D. (2024). Fostering Learner Autonomy in Vietnamese Higher Education: What Factors to Be Considered?. OKARA: Jurnal Bahasa Dan Sastra, 18(2), 184-202. https://doi.org/10.19105/ojbs.v18i2.15563

Chen, L., & Brown, R. (2021). Student-centered learning and academic achievement in higher education: A constructivist perspective. International Journal of Educational Research, 67, 65-78.

Chen, L., Kuo, T., & Lin, W. (2022). Evaluating the impact of student-centered learning on student motivation in higher education. Journal of Learning Sciences, 28(1), 98-115.

Cohen, A., Garcia, M., & Harris, L. (2021). Engaging students through active learning strategies in higher education. Educational Research Review, 34, 100-110.

Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2021). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Approachs Approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Guest, G., Namey, E., & Mitchell, M. (2021). Collecting Qualitative Data: A Field Manual for Applied Research. SAGE Publications.

Huda, M. N., Zainuddin, Z., & Rafiq, M. (2023). The impact of student-centered learning on student motivation and engagement in Indonesian universities. Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management, 45(1), 1-15.

Hwang, J., & Lee, S. (2023). Promoting critical thinking in student-centered classrooms: Evidence from higher education. Journal of Educational Psychology, 42(1), 82-99.

Kallio, H., Pietilä, A., Johnson, M., & Kangasniemi, M. (2016). Systematic approachological review: Developing a framework for a qualitative semi‐structured interview guide. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 72(12), 2954-2965.

Komatsu, H., et al. (2021). Active learning in the classroom: Enhancing critical thinking through collaborative projects. Journal of Higher Education Pedagogy.

Kumar, R., & Bhatia, S. (2022). Constructivist teaching practices in higher education: A meta-analytic review. Educational Research Quarterly, 54(4), 200-219.

Lee, J., & Kim, H. (2021). Collaborative learning in higher education: Benefits and challenges of student-centered approaches. Journal of Learning Sciences, 29(2), 143-160.

Marín, V. I., et al. (2020). Collaborative learning: A student-centered approach to knowledge construction. International Journal of Educational Research.

Miles, M. B., Huberman, A. M., & Saldana, J. (2020). Qualitative Data Analysis: A Approachs Sourcebook (4th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Muthmainnah, Aeni, N., Galal, M., Varghese, K. J., Castillo, F. D., & Ghofur, A. (2021). The Students’ Needs in Developing EFL Materials ICT Based. OKARA: Jurnal Bahasa Dan Sastra, 15(2), 235-247. https://doi.org/10.19105/ojbs.v15i2.4679

Nguyen, M. T., & Vu, P. Q. (2021). Constructivism and student-centered learning in higher education: A meta-analysis. Educational Research Review, 34, 100-115.

Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Approachs, 16(1), 1-13.

Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., & Hoagwood, K. (2015). Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and analysis in mixed approach implementation research. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 42(5), 533-544.

Rahman, A., & Anwar, S. (2023). Challenges and opportunities in implementing student-centered learning in Indonesian universities. Indonesian Journal of Educational Research, 20(4), 210-228.

Richardson, K. (2020). Constructivism and its implications for teaching and learning. Teaching & Learning Inquiry, 8(2), 30-42.

Sukardi, A., Mukhlis, M., & Kurniawan, R. (2021). The effectiveness of project-based learning in fostering critical thinking skills among university students. Journal of Educational Psychology, 25(1), 75-85.

Tracy, S. J. (2020). Qualitative Research Approachs: Collecting Evidence, Crafting Analysis, Communicating Impact (2nd ed.). Wiley.

Väätäjä, H., & Ruokamo, H. (2021). Learner autonomy and technology: Supporting self-directed learning in higher education. Journal of Educational Technology and Society.

Yates, L., Thompson, K., & Walker, G. (2021). Adapting student-centered learning approaches in Asian educational contexts. Asian Journal of Education, 19(3), 123-139.

Yin, R. K. (2018). Case Study Research and Applications: Design and Approachs (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.

Downloads

Published

2025-03-12