19. Learner-Centered Education Learner-centered implies that the learner is actively engaged in the process of knowledge construction. Learning is an active, exciting process that can be difficult, frustrating and challenging but is not inherently boring. Boredom sets in when learning is reduced to repetitive actions or assignments that are disconnected from larger goals or contexts. Skill development requires some amount of practice but practice is motivated by performance. The player who shoots baskets or blocks shots in practice has visions of how these skills will play out in the next game. The game provides the attitude and motivation to practice hard. In the context of the classroom, performance is often reduced to memory exercises on tests... New Designs for Connected Teaching and Learning - Margaret Riel