Teacher Centred Approaches

Louise Petty

August 28, 2025

5 min read

The teaching method you choose directly impacts lesson delivery, student engagement and overall outcomes. One of the most widely recognised approaches to teaching is the teacher centred model. In this article, we’ll explain what the teacher centred approach is, the advantages and disadvantages of it, and provide some examples of the teacher centred approach in practice.

Teacher Centred Approach Meaning

The teacher centred approach places the teacher at the heart of the learning process. The teacher acts as the main source of knowledge and authority, guiding the pace and structure of lessons, while students take a more passive role and receive information through listening, note-taking and observation.

A teacher centred approach differs from a child centred approach, whereby students play a more active part in shaping their education, often through discussion, problem-solving and collaborative tasks. Both approaches have value and are part of effective teaching, but they function in different ways.

Characteristics of a Teacher Centred Approach

Some common features of a teacher centred classroom include:

The teacher is seen as the subject expert and main decision-maker.
Lessons follow a structured – often lecture-style – format.
Students are expected to listen, take notes and complete tasks individually.
Assessment focuses on knowledge recall and accuracy, rather than exploration or creativity.
Classroom routines are clear, with a strong emphasis on discipline and order.

Advantages of a Teacher Centred Approach

There are several reasons why teachers may choose a teacher centred approach, particularly in certain contexts. Advantages of a teacher centred approach include:

Efficiency – large amounts of information can be delivered quickly and clearly.
Consistency – students receive the same content in the same way, ensuring fairness and alignment with curriculum requirements.
Classroom management – a structured environment reduces disruption and supports control over behaviour.
Clarity – expectations are explicit, leaving little room for confusion about tasks or outcomes.
Preparation for exams – this approach can be especially effective where factual knowledge and recall are essential.
Scaffolding for younger students – provides structure and security for learners who may struggle with open-ended or independent tasks.
Coverage of curriculum requirements – ensures all key topics are taught systematically, reducing the risk of gaps in learning.

Student raising hand to ask teacher a question

Disadvantages of a Teacher-Centred Approach

Despite its strengths, the teacher centred approach also comes with limitations. These include:

Limited critical thinking – students may not develop critical thinking skills if they are not encouraged to question or explore ideas independently.
Lower engagement – passive learning can reduce motivation and interest, particularly for students who prefer interactive styles.
Restricted collaboration – opportunities to work with peers and build social learning skills may be limited.
Less adaptability – the method does not always cater well to diverse learning needs or encourage creativity.
Loss of independence – students may become reliant on the teacher for answers rather than developing independence.
Potential for disengagement among high achievers – more able learners may feel unchallenged if lessons are overly rigid or focused only on basic recall.

Teacher Centred Approach Examples

In practice, the teacher centred approach to teaching can take many forms, as can be seen in the examples below. In each example, however, the teacher sets the pace, provides the knowledge and directs the learning experience. Teacher centred approach examples include:

A history teacher delivering a lecture on the causes of the Second World War, with students expected to take notes and later answer factual questions.
A maths lesson where the teacher demonstrates problem-solving on the board and students copy the process before practising independently.
A science class where the teacher explains the steps of an experiment in detail, then students follow the instructions.
A French lesson where the teacher teaches vocabulary by having students repeat the words and memorise them as directed.
A geography teacher presenting a detailed explanation of climate zones, followed by students completing a written summary based directly on what was taught.

Teacher at head of classroom teaching to students

The teacher centred approach is a teaching method where the teacher takes the lead as the main source of knowledge. The teacher guides lessons with structure and authority while students focus on listening and following instructions. While it may limit opportunities for creativity or collaboration if used in isolation, the teacher centred approach remains a valuable strategy for helping students learn, particularly in subjects where accuracy and recall are essential.