Teaching strategies

Station Rotation

What is station rotation?

In a rotation station model students rotate through a handful of different centers all having to do with the same topic just learning it in different ways. Usually at least one of the stations involves technology, while other stations require the students to work directly with the teacher or their peers. Many people assume stations or centers are more geared towards the younger grades but it works well with all grades. Collaboration and movement are key to keeping students engaged!

Benefits

The video above shows an example of station rotation.

There are so many benefits to this model:

This model allows the teacher ti spend more time with students who need extra help.
Allows for flexibility in grouping and instructional practice.
Allows students to be more creative by using technology.
Allows the students to get more one-on- one time with their teacher.
increases engagement and allows students to engage with information in many different ways.
And many more!

Example

For this example we will use a 4th grade math lesson.

Station 1: Students play a math game using a deck of cards. At the table there are the materials needed, game instructions and paper and pencils.

Station 2: This station is called "teacher table". It is teacher directed and this is when the teacher is differentiating instruction and giving the students one on one instruction through example problems.

Station 3: Here the students are working collaboratively on a problem for their peers to solve. This group of students must write a word problem, be able to solve it and be ready to present it to the rest of the class.

Station 4: Students work on their math skills using technology in the classroom (Ipad, Computer, Chromebook etc.). This may be on extra math, Khan Academy or Go Math.

How to Use it in the classroom

The station rotation model can be used in any classroom in any school district. The stations should be organized based on the grade level and independency of the students. For example, in a 6th grade history class the teacher may be able to set expectations and send her 6th grades off into stations to rotate and work independently but in a 1st grade classroom the students are still learning expectations of working independently and in groups. As the school year went on I am sure the teacher would know when their students were ready to work more independently. Also, teachers should consider what technology they already have available to use in the classroom and how they can effectively use it in a station.

Resources

Want to learn more?

Check out these resources!

Article:

https://www.edutopia.org/article/optimizing-station-rotations-blended-learning

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oY5iXxqe_WU

Flipped Classroom

What is a flipped classroom?

The flipped classroom model allows students to work at their own pace in the curriculum and for the teacher to individualize instruction based on the individual needs of the learners. Instead of teaching a lesson face to face and sending the students home to work on homework, the teacher records a video lesson and has the students complete activities at home that go along with the video recorded lesson. When the students come to school the teacher is able to meet with each student discuss what they have learned and individualize the curriculum to meet the needs of every student.

Benefits

There are many benefits to the flipped classroom model.

More individualized instruction for the students.
Helps improve higher level thinking
Self paced which allows the students to learn at their own pace, one which best suits their needs.
Easier for students to get caught up on work that may have been missed.
Teachers get more one on one time with students
And much more!

At Home Teaching

Teaching from home can be given in many forms including:

Podcasts
Curriculum Videos
Videos pre-recorded by the teacher

Please take a minute to watch the video to see how this teacher teaches equivalent fractions to her 4th graders using the flipped classroom model.

Resources

Want more information?

Explore these resources below!

Article:

https://www.edutopia.org/blog/flipped-classroom-pro-and-con-mary-beth-hertz

Podcast:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=egN1rIFf5Wo

1st Grade

In first grade students should be introduced to the idea of flipped classroom. During this year the students are seeing what their education will really be like. If I was a first grade teacher I would begin by teaching them how to be effective online learners and then begin to introduce flipped classroom. I would teach a few lessons from each unit through flipped classroom. Not too many, but just enough for them to get exposure and not be overwhelmed.

4th Grade

By 4th grade students have been using flipped classroom for almost all subjects. During their 4th grade year they will get experience learning through flipped classroom for all subjects. Students will now be doing all of their learning online and at home. When in the classroom students will be diving deeper into the topics.

2nd Grade

Once the students have reached second grade they should have had some experience with flipped classroom. If I was a 2nd grade teacher I would begin to do multiple lessons from all subjects using the flipped classroom model. This will allow the students to get frequent practice and become comfortable with the use of technology to learn. I would also continue to fine tune their online learning habits and work with individuals to help them get the most out of their learning online.

5th Grade

By this year in a students education they have experienced a fully flipped classroom. In 5th grade students should now be taught how to self pace their learning. I would help them identify what is too much or too little and then help the students identify questions that are higher level and great discussion starters to bring to class. I think I would also work with the students of experimentation and practice skills in the classroom.

3rd Grade

By third grade, the students have been using flipped classroom for 2 years and should know what are the best online learning habits. Since these students have had a lot of experience with flipped classroom I think I would teach a few subjects fully in flipped classroom model. I may start with math and then include science.

6th Grade

At this point in the students education they are completely comfortable with flipped classroom model. If I were a 6th grade teacher I would take this opportunity to work with students on their collaboration skills. At this stage students have had exposure to collaboration but they should get practice with back and forth conversations and leading a conversation. Practice with conversations will help prepare them for their future in the upper grades. It is a very important skill to be able to collaborate with peers and hold an academic conversation.

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