Final answer:
Student-centered instruction is an educational approach focusing on active student engagement, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities, as opposed to methods that prioritize test performance.
Step-by-step explanation:
Student-centered instruction refers to a teaching approach that emphasizes the active involvement of students in their own learning process, enabling them to discover knowledge for themselves and apply problem-solving skills. This pedagogical strategy shifts the focus from traditional lecture-based teaching, where students are passive recipients of information, to a more interactive and collaborative learning environment. Elements essential to this method include interactive group activities, a curriculum that encourages critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, and resources that support student-centered learning. This approach contrasts sharply with 'teaching to the test,' a method criticized for focusing solely on test performance at the expense of a broader educational experience.