Stations
K-8
Big Idea
In a station model, students rotate through learning stations either on a fixed schedule or at the teacher’s discretion. Teachers can use this model within a traditional classroom setting by simply breaking students into small groups and having them rotate through different stations set up around the classroom or rotating the whole class through a series of learning activities.
Directions
1. Prepare learning stations carefully:
- Determine the appropriate content and number of stations needed to accommodate the variety of material presented in the unit (themes, learning styles, subjects).
- Assess the space available. Decide on the number of students assigned to each learning station, and create an appropriate space for each learning station.
- Determine the order of the learning stations, including the desired rotation from one to the next. Keep in mind that some groups will start the rotation in the middle.
- Prepare a time management plan for the learning station exercises, including initial directions, orientation or modeling, time in stations, rotation of stations, sound used to indicate time to change stations, and clean-up.
2. Set up the classroom:
- Label each station clearly with its title, the stated goal, and clear directions for the station activity.
- Make sure each station contains all the materials and directions needed for the students to understand the topic or concept.
3. Explain the purpose and process of the learning station exercise to the students:
- Describe the purpose and contents of each learning station.
4. Establish the assessment method:
- Provide a checklist or goal sheet of exercises for each learning station.
- Implement the final assessment: class presentation, poster, self-evaluation, short constructed response, discussion, and so on.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zCoYtvxut8
When to use
There are many was during the course of a unit when you can use the stations strategy:
- At the beginning when you are introducing your unit.
- In the middle of the unit when you want them to practice the skills or interact with new information.
- At the end of a unit when you want to assess their learning.
Strategy Variations
- Use technology for one or more of the stations.
- Use a variety of methods for helping students uncover the critical content that your learning centers are geared toward. For example, one station uses reading and writing, one uses art or something more creative, one encourages collaboration, and one might be teacher led or led by a student or guest speaker.
- Have each station be a different level of rigor.
- Have students set individual and group goals and assess as they go.
- Tier individual stations and allow groups to choose which one they do at that specific station.