Learning Centers

Project Management Guide

Classroom Management Plan
Learning Centers

Learning centers can be used as a way to rotate groups of students through different activities. Like cooperative groups, this is also a good technique to use when there are a limited number of computers available. Each group takes a turn working at a different activity or learning center. Groups can rotate through the centers during the course of one class or over a period of time.

EXAMPLE:

Students use the Stowaway Adventure to track the voyage of a ship at sea over a period of two weeks. The teacher establishes a number of different learning centers for the project which include:

Computer Center: Student use the computer to find current ship coordinates, heading, speed and weather conditions. Based on this information they predict the ship's port of call and the estimated arrival time to this port.
Problem Solving Center: Students practice rate calculations, converting time from one time zone to another, and using a protractor/compass.
Geography Center: Large world map where students update ship's location, identify any nearby areas of interest, and predict next day's route.
Reading and Writing Center: Students write their own ship's logs, compose email letters, or read background information or literature.
Exploration Center: Hands-on activity where students construct and test their own box compass.

Each day the groups work at a different station. At the end of the class time, each group reports on their accomplishments or progress for the day. Some stations have tasks that can be spread out over a period of time (e.g. centers 4 and 5) so students can continue working on those projects every few days.

QUESTIONS:

Can learning centers be used for any parts of the project you have selected? If so, which parts?
What learning centers will be established?
How will the groups be rotated through the centers?