Reading and Writing with Children

Student Centred Individualized Learning (SCIL)

People learn in different ways, so they should be taught in different ways. Student Centred Individualized Learning (SCIL) is Frontier College’s teaching philosophy. (Frontier College Press, 1997). SCIL is based on the premise that everyone has unique interests, strengths and learning needs. To be effective, a tutor needs to select the strategies and techniques that work best for a particular student. This guide is designed to help tutors choose the tools to meet the varied learning needs of their students.

Whether you are working with one, two or a small group of students, it is important to talk
with each student about his or her strengths, goals, needs and learning styles. Ask:

Strengths: What do you do well? What are your interests and skills?
Goals: What do you want to do? What would you like to learn?
Learning needs: What do you need to learn to be able to achieve your goals?
Styles: How do you learn best? How do you gain new knowledge?

Using a student‐centred approach to tutoring

Focus on strengths

Start first with what your students can do and what they already know and do well.
When your students know that you are aware of their strengths and weaknesses,
they are more willing to take risks with you. Success breeds success.

Respect different learning styles

Keep in mind how your students learn. Do they learn by doing or by observing?
Do they need lots of activity or a quiet space to learn? Be flexible and use a variety
of activities in your tutoring.

Make sure participation is voluntary

Tutoring works best when everyone chooses to participate — tutors and students. It
is important that your students meet with you because they want to learn.