Station-rotation has become one of the most effective blended learning models with multiple learning stations and different learning activities. I know it can seem a bit overwhelming to take the initial leap of setting this model up in your classroom. This year I have opportunity to help teachers in doing so and I wanted to share a few practical tips I have learned to help you, should you choose this endeavor, and I hope you do!
Preparation is key!
- Plan and plan again! No detail is too small to consider before your first day. If the first day of stations is smooth and organized, it will set you up for ongoing success. Remember to always have a plan B in place. If you are sharing technology in the classroom, the students should know which device to use. (Picture below)
- Use signs. Label everything, including station names and instructions, movement paths, locations for materials, directions for transitions, and details for clean-up. When students ask routine questions, you should be able to point them to these signs. If you are introducing the students to a new App you can use “I can” statements for students to know exactly what they are expected to do. (Picture below)
- Consider cords. Is the computer station near the computer cart? Is there a place to charge computers while students are using them? Are students at risk of tripping over the SMART Board or projector cables? These details may seem minor, but they are important to consider before things get underway. You can use a dish dryer to store ipads and cords. (Picture below)
- Move around the space. Once you’ve set up your stations, do a test-run to ensure you can easily navigate the classroom and pull out chairs while still having space for everyone to get where they need to go.
- Test every activity before assigning it. By doing this, you may realize that you need headphones for the computer station, colored pencils for the group-work station, and a small whiteboard for demonstration at the teacher-led station. And remember that technology will fail you sometimes, just like anything else in life, but don’t give up, but make sure you have a Plan B in place.
- Plan your groups strategically. When you think of how to split your students into groups that will rotate stations together, consider the following:
- Group based on who can work independently together without causing a disruption.
- Pair or group students who can teach each other or who will learn best together.
- Make sure there are students in each group who will encourage rule-following and ask questions when they get confused.
- Group based on who can work independently together without causing a disruption.
- Assign roles. Don’t hesitate to delegate real responsibility to students. By designating computer captains, group leaders, material monitors, and more, you’re encouraging students to take accountability and develop ownership. You can create daily and weekly goals. (Picture below)
- Start with a station practice day. Before introducing content, give students a day where they just practice what it means to learn at stations. Run through everything from how they find their seats to how they transition between stations to how they behave at stations. Stop frequently and ask students to articulate what is going well and what is confusing. Train a few students and once they can prove to you that they are the experts give them the EXPERT badge so other students know who to go to for their questions.
- Clearly state the purpose of each station. It’s helpful for students to have a clear understanding of the skills they are gaining. So make sure they know the goal. For example, by the end of this station you should feel confident about dividing fractions in word problems. If you introducing a new app, create “I can” statements so the students know exactly what their goals are.
Happy blending!