Station Rotation Model
The Station Rotation Model is a combination of online and offline studies in which the students rotate among different learning stations in a classroom such as teacher-led instruction, independent work and digital learning. Thus, this model not only increases the student engagement level but also addresses different learning styles by the use of various forms of instruction and settings.
The Station Rotation Model largely depends on the presence of multiple learning stations which usually have direct instructions from the teacher, independent activities, and online learning activities. Each of the learning stations is assigned particular learning objectives which subsequently allow students to employ various methods of interacting with the material. For instance, in a mathematics class, one learning station may be used for the teacher's instruction, another for the use of online math games, and another again for the independent work of solving practice problems.
The Station Rotation Model aids differentiated instruction through its capacity for teachers to customize tasks for the student population's diverse needs. Each station can be filled with technical problems of different difficulty or materials representing different content, making it possible for students to work at their own pace and ability level. For example, through one station a teacher could give students advanced math problems for gifted students while providing a practice of basic skills in another station for students who need to review it.
Has the Station Rotation Model been used as an efficient method of learning in schools? Whose perfectionist to keep them on track is the teacher's? Then, the teacher has to minimize the time spent on doing nothing by the students. Also, the time for training and preparation must be sufficient to enable this model to be implemented efficiently. For instance, the teacher has to create clear rules and expectations for each station to avoid any confusion at the time of rotation.
Of course, the Station Rotation Model can be implemented in virtual learning environments through the use of digital workstations that are primarily meant for online teaching and self-study. Teachers can make virtual stations which comprise video lessons, games, and discussion forums. Like an example, in an online science class, one station this month is watching a video demonstration while the other is to take an online quiz and a third one is to create a collaborative project in a document to share. Being so flexible, this format continues to involve students and facilitate their learning even when they are outside the classroom.