"great discoveries and achievements invariably involve the cooperation of many minds."...
TRANSCRIPT
"Great discoveries and achievements invariably involve the cooperation of many minds." --Alexander Graham Bell
Using Learning Centers in the
ClassroomThe “What”, “Why”, and “How” of Learning Centers
What Are Learning Centers?• are situations around the classroom that a
teacher sets up for students to work in either small group or individual activities.
• Each of these centers has supplies and materials that work well together and give students the tools to complete activities and mini-projects -- either in groups or individually.
Times Have Changed (2000-2010)
Communicate with students
Collaborate through profile
Communicate with teachers
Post to blogs, wikis
Tweet or post a microblog
Participate in online communities
Get help from an online tutor
Work w/students from other countries
Participate in videoconferences
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70
63%
48%
43%
16%
12%
13%
10%
7%
7%
51%
34%
28%
12%
11%
10%
8%
7%
7%
Tools used by students to collaborate and communicate about school work
G3-5 G6-8 G9-12
Student Use of Technology
Advantages
• are academically effective and developmentally responsive!
• provide opportunities for students to interact with peers and chances to work on their own.
• cater to different learning styles, employ a variety of materials and media, and involve some physical movement.
• students achieve at a high level.
Disadvantages
• Constructing learning centers is initially more time consuming than traditional approaches.
• Requires a teacher to have excellent classroom management skills.
• Some students prefer to work individually rather than in a group.
Poetry Learning Centers
• Opening Activity• Grouping Activity• Learning Center Lesson
Center OneTopic: Poetry
Product: Splice VideoTechnology: ipad/ipod,
computer
Center TwoTopic: Poetry
Product: PhotoStory Technology: computer
Center ThreeTopic: PoetryProduct: Prezi
Technology: computer with Internet access
Center FourTopic: PoetryProduct: Wiki
Technology: computer with Internet access