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

Objectives 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 21 st Century Learning Three Steps to 21 st Century Learning

Learning Center Characteristics Physical areas where students engage in a variety of learning tasks Clearly stated objectives with activities to meet those objectives Geared to students’ interests Represent several ability levels Designed for students to work as individuals, with a partner, or in small groups of no more than 5-6

Rationale for Learning Centers Afford 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 because… They affect the following Physical Influences on learning: “Hands on” activities Movement during class

Learning Centers work because… They affect the following Emotional Influences on learning: Motivation Persistence Sense of responsibility Sense of control Choice

Learning Centers work because… They affect the following Environmental Influences on learning: Room arrangement Layout of desks, tables and chairs Sound in classroom Light in classroom

Learning Centers work 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 Considerations for Learning Centers Type ◦ Skill development ◦ Enrichment ◦ Exploration of student interests Objectives to be met Space and design Materials Structure ◦ Learning Activities ◦ Grouping ◦ Recordkeeping

Tips Give 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 change… The role of teachers The way that teachers plan The way that teachers deliver instruction Classrooms from teacher-centered to student-centered

Learning Centers turn the role of teachers from… “Sage on the Stage” to “Guide on the Side”

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

Resources Learning Centers Resources page on CT TEAMS Wiki: