What is a rotation station?
A rotation station, also known as a learning station or center, is an instructional strategy where students rotate through different activities or tasks in a classroom. Each station is designed to engage students in different ways and can focus on various subjects or skills. This method allows for differentiated instruction, small group work, and the integration of technology. Here’s a breakdown of what a rotation station typically involves:
- Different Stations: The classroom is divided into several stations, each with a distinct activity or task. These can include:
- Independent Work Station: Students complete individual assignments or practice skills.
- Collaborative Work Station: Students work together on a group project or discussion.
- Teacher-Led Station: The teacher provides direct instruction or targeted support to a small group.
- Technology Station: Students use computers, tablets, or other digital tools for interactive learning activities.
- Timed Rotations: Students spend a set amount of time at each station before rotating to the next one. The timing and sequence can be flexible based on the lesson plan and students’ needs.
- Variety of Activities: Each station can cater to different learning styles and abilities. Activities might include reading, writing, hands-on experiments, problem-solving tasks, or multimedia projects.
- Enhanced Engagement: By moving through different stations, students stay active and engaged, reducing monotony and allowing for varied instructional approaches.
- Differentiated Instruction: Teachers can tailor activities at each station to meet the diverse needs of their students, providing more personalized learning experiences.
- Efficient Use of Time: While students work independently or collaboratively at other stations, the teacher can focus on providing intensive support to a small group, maximizing instructional time.
Rotation stations are particularly effective in creating a dynamic and interactive learning environment, fostering collaboration, and making learning more personalized and engaging.
We are guided by how we can engage the learners, get them to collaborate and ask deep questions. How does each of the stations address this?
- 4 Cs
- Learner centered
- Seamless tech
- SAMR and TPACK
- That leads to:
- Attention, engagement, feedback and consolidation.
Maths Rotation Station Workshop
Topic: Multiplicative thinking
Workshop Objectives:
- Learn how to use and set up a rotation station maths diep lesson for your learners.
- Explore various ways to get learners to know their multiplication tables, doubling and halving.
- Explore multiplication and shape patterns.
- Learn how to use various tech tools to create learning material and moments for your learners at each of the stations.
- Create a DIeP e-lesson using rotation stations ( at least one station needs to have technology)
Station 1: Time table patterns (15 minutes)
- Work through the worksheets tabs on the spreadsheet- not here! ( Section A, Section B, Section C)
You will find Section B as a tab at the bottom on your excel sheet
Section C: Multiplication chart
Get your learners to create their own Multiplication chart in Excel and learn how to use a spreadsheet (inserting cell values, highlighting, copying, insert colours). Go back to your Excel copy (last tab at bottom)
Multiplication tools for little-lies
Discussion:
- How diep is this lesson? (SAMR, 4Cs, Engagement, learner centered, feedback, consolidation)
- How did we use technology in this station?
Station 2: Getting active and creative with tables
- Get creative💃🎊🎉: Create a 30 second video, explaining the 2 times and the 3 times table with your bodies (fingers, arms, toes, etc). All group members must be involved.
- In your group, play the Double and half matching game on Flippity. (Ms Tome-Karatara). Don't forget to ask your ITEs to help you make your own Flippity interactives and games!
- Do the Times speedtest! Who is the fastest?
Discuss in your group:
- How can getting the learners to do the tables using their bodies, improve their multiplicative thinking.
- How did we use technology in this lesson?
- How Diep is this station?
Other station links
- Ms Tome's PowerPoint on Doubles and halves
- Five step plan for all the time tables
- https://toytheater.com/magic-multiply/
Station 3: Let's see if we can beat AI!
In this multiplicative thinking skills game, we have to get 4 cells in a row. You can play against AI or against each other. You can help one another when you play against AI!
- Play beehive against AI. You can only change one number (factor), so choose wisely.
Discussion:
- How does this game help us with multiplicative thinking?
- How Diep is this station?
- How did we use technology in this station?
Station 4: Visualisation of geometric and other patterns
- See the PowerPoint here: TWT and Lesson study 2.pptx (PDF)
- Sandra will take you through the activities! 💃
List of tech used during this workshop
- Apps and tools
- Excel/google spreadsheets
- Powerpoint
- Video
- Screenpal
- Blog
- Wakelet
- Interactive Multiplication Table (Memozor)
- See Wakelet
- See spreadsheet of tools
- Devices:
- Tablets
- Cellphones
- Data projector
- Internet
- Laptop
Debrief Discussion
- How did each of the stations contribute to multiplicative thinking and pattern recognition?
- How can we use Rotation stations this term for our dep lessons and lesson study?
- How will we cope with a lot of learners using rotation stations?
- Do we have to use tech at every station?