Abstract
The research investigates the lived experience of teacher education students enrolled in a student-centered classroom environment. A classroom environment plays a vital role in developing academic performance through differentiated learning experiences. In the Philippine higher education under the implementation of a new curriculum, a focus on student-centered teaching approach was highlighted to achieve the goals of outcome-based education. The study about the students’ lived experiences in a student-centered classroom setting could determine the strengths and weaknesses of the teaching methodology. In achieving the research objectives, the researchers conducted a series of classroom observations to observe the student’s behavior in a student-centered approach. In the latter part of the semester, an interview among the enrolled students was conducted. The study is a qualitative method using the phenomenological approach wherein the lived experiences of the students are documented and analyzed. The findings revealed that interpersonal skills, creativity, and self-esteem were aspects of personality that were improved in a student-centered classroom environment. This reveals that the current trend in teaching approach contributes not only to the academic achievement of the students but also to their personal development.
