Student Engagement Through Learning Centers
On December, 16, 2008, the teachers at Nickajack Elementary had the opportunity to participate in a make and take language arts session. The purpose of this session was to make learning centers aligned to upcoming 3rd quarter standards.
Current research supports that children learn best when they are actively engaged. Utilizing learning centers in the classroom promotes student engagement. Learning centers are organized areas in the classroom for students to work independently, with partners, and/or small groups. They are sometimes referred to as workstations because students are working while there. Learning centers contain meaningful, purposeful tasks that serve as a reinforcement or extension to concepts already explicitly taught by the classroom teacher. These centers can provide teachers with a system of accountability and allow them to monitor progress and mastery of concepts. When used effectively, learning centers are the perfect tool for differentiating instruction to meet the needs of all learners.
What are the benefits of using learning centers in the classroom?
- Promotes independence and responsibility
- Promotes attention to individual learning styles
- Promotes students working at his or her own pace
- Allows for differentiation
- Promotes self-discovery
- Reinforces concepts previously taught
- Provides practice
- Makes learning fun
- Provides time for teacher to work with small groups or individual students
Taken from Student Center Activities: Teacher Resource Guide (2005) by The Florida Center for Reading Research.
ALT Facilitators: Lashonda Smith, Denise Reynolds, & Nicole Spicer
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