microLESSONS TM: tool to encourage student-centred learning

Information and Communication Technology (ICT), if integrated and applied in the right manner can encourage student-centred learning in the classrooms of today. However, in order to conduct a successful student-centred learning environment and to engage students in learning, teachers will have to plan and integrate ICT effectively. The reality of the situation in schools is that, due to time constraint and the lack of resources that are customised to students' needs, teachers often resort to traditional ICT teaching methods. This article attempts to present a solution to overcome the constraints faced by the teachers. It is hoped that with the training provided to the trainee teachers in the National Institute of Education (NIE Singapore), these trainees will be equipped to plan and design microLESSONSTM. These student-oriented ICT based lessons will enable them to customise content according to students' learning potentials. microLESSONSTM are small multimedia learnercentred instructional packages presented to the students. The structure is usually in the form of an ill-defined problem, a case study, a scenario, or a situation. The students are then required to use the scaffolds provided to explore possible solutions to the problem presented.