Learning Centers in Middle School Presented by Jane Cook EASTCONN Literacy & Technology Coach.

Learning Centers in Learning Centers in Middle SchoolMiddle SchoolPresented by Jane CookEASTCONN Literacy & Technology Coach

ObjectivesObjectives

As a result of participating in today’s workshop, teachers will be able to :

Describe the purpose and characteristics of Learning Centers.

Explain how Learning Centers support student learning.

Create Learning Centers in their classroom.

Three Steps to 21Three Steps to 21stst Century LearningCentury Learning

Learning Center Learning Center CharacteristicsCharacteristicsPhysical areas where students

engage in a variety of learning tasks

Clearly stated objectives with activities to meet those objectives

Geared to students’ interestsRepresent several ability levelsDesigned for students to work as

individuals, with a partner, or in small groups of no more than 5-6

Rationale for Learning Rationale for Learning CentersCentersAfford a way to differentiate

instruction to meet the needs of all learners

Address multiple intelligences and multi-modalities

Provide opportunities for positive social learning interactions

Give students guided and independent practice

Learning Centers work Learning Centers work because…because…

They affect the following Physical Influences on learning:

“Hands on” activitiesMovement during class

Learning Centers work Learning Centers work because…because…

They affect the following Emotional Influences on learning:

MotivationPersistenceSense of responsibilitySense of controlChoice

Learning Centers work Learning Centers work because…because…

They affect the following Environmental Influences on learning:

Room arrangementLayout of desks, tables and chairsSound in classroomLight in classroom

Learning Centers work Learning Centers work because…because…They affect the following Sociological Influences on learning:

Working conditions◦How We Work

Individually With a partner In a small group

◦With Whom Work with peers Work with adult

Planning & Preparation Planning & Preparation Considerations for Learning Considerations for Learning CentersCenters Type

◦ Skill development◦ Enrichment◦ Exploration of student interests

Objectives to be met Space and design Materials Structure

◦ Learning Activities◦ Grouping◦ Recordkeeping

TipsTipsGive students a sense of control &

choice, ◦E.g., they must rotate through all centers by

the end of the week but they can choose the order, they can choose their partne/s, etc.

Plan to rotate center materials/resources on a weekly or bi-weekly basis

Remember – Since centers are guided and independent practice, they should be neither too easy nor too difficult

Learning Centers Learning Centers change…change…The role of teachersThe way that teachers planThe way that teachers deliver

instructionClassrooms from teacher-

centered to student-centered

Learning Centers turn the Learning Centers turn the role of teachers from…role of teachers from…

“Sage on the Stage” to

“Guide on the Side”

““The best teacher is not The best teacher is not necessarily the one who necessarily the one who possesses the most possesses the most knowledge, but the one who knowledge, but the one who most effectively enables his most effectively enables his students to believe in their students to believe in their ability to learn.”ability to learn.” - Norman - Norman CousinsCousins

ResourcesResourcesLearning Centers Resources page on CT TEAMS

Wiki: http://ctteams.wikispaces.com/LearningCenters