Learning Center/ Learning Stations
Classroom Learning Centers focus on selected activities that allow students to figure things out. It often includes hands-on activities, and open-ended instruction. Stations are set up around the classroom. The teacher or teacher assistant work with small groups on targeting lessons, while other stations are student led or include independent activities. Students work at each station for a predetermined amount of time (maybe 15-20 minutes depending on the age group), and then move to their predetermined next activity when a timer signals time to rotate.
Classroom Learning Stations can offer a host of benefits. It veers from the traditional direct lesson- “teach and listen” approach- into a more hands-on learning style. It allows teachers the ability to work with students one-on-one or in small groups to target specific skills, and better meet the specific needs of individual students. It promotes independence, responsibility, and allows opportunity for self-discovery.
Stations give students individualized attention, and opportunities to participate more effectively by giving them more chances to manipulate and play with the concepts. Learning Centers are a smart way to increase individual participation in a lesson, and to increase engagement. Teachers are able to make formative assessments for each student because the groups are small and manageable. In conclusion, I currently use centers in classrooms with students who have disabilities, but I have also used them in the general education, and gifted settings.
The use of differentiated classroom learning centers engage students’ interest, allow the teacher to quickly and easily assess students’ needs, and enable them to target and remediate specific learning difficulties and skill deficits more effectively.
Classroom Learning Stations can offer a host of benefits. It veers from the traditional direct lesson- “teach and listen” approach- into a more hands-on learning style. It allows teachers the ability to work with students one-on-one or in small groups to target specific skills, and better meet the specific needs of individual students. It promotes independence, responsibility, and allows opportunity for self-discovery.
Stations give students individualized attention, and opportunities to participate more effectively by giving them more chances to manipulate and play with the concepts. Learning Centers are a smart way to increase individual participation in a lesson, and to increase engagement. Teachers are able to make formative assessments for each student because the groups are small and manageable. In conclusion, I currently use centers in classrooms with students who have disabilities, but I have also used them in the general education, and gifted settings.
The use of differentiated classroom learning centers engage students’ interest, allow the teacher to quickly and easily assess students’ needs, and enable them to target and remediate specific learning difficulties and skill deficits more effectively.