Developing Cooperative Learning Stations Learning stations are not

Developing Cooperative Learning Stations

Learning stations are not just an elementary concept.

The Purpose of Learning Stations • Stations/centers are a teaching tool that allows teacher to differentiate different levels and to meet different student’s learning styles. • Stations create heterogeneous cooperative and collaborative groups. • Stations provide individual and small groups activities.

Learning stations provide children with opportunities for hands-on learning, cooperative learning, social interaction, reallife problem solving, autonomous learning, and open-ended activities. Jensen, Eric Teaching with the Brain in Mind (1998).

Benefits of Learning Stations • Allow student-directed learning • Provide concrete experiences • Promote creative thinking • Allow children opportunities to communicate with each other • Adaptable for all ages and abilities • Provide a variety of methods for learning

Setting Up 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. n n n Spacing Around Room Organization of room Boundaries Mini Lesson for each station Expectations in each station (I can…) Model Practice Rotation of Station Management of rotation Student grouping/student choice n n n Organization Finished Work Reflection n What I learned… What I enjoyed… Things that need to be improved…

Discussion • Pros v. Cons • Additional benefits • Thoughts?