Comparing Two Pedagogical Approaches: Learner-Centered and Learning Centered Methodologies in Language Teaching

After centuries of traditional teacher-centered pedagogy which put the instructor at the focal point of the all educational activities, new perspectives emerged. The learning- and learnercentered methodologies in language teaching appeared in the wake of modern theories of language and learning. These modern approaches shifted the focus from the teacher and materials to learning and learner. This paper sketches out the basic theories underlying both perspectives and compares them in terms of their related classroom activities and pedagogical implications. Finally, the positive and negative consequences of either approach are discussed in a comparative way