Engaging Learners Using Learning Stations

Lynn W Zimmerman, PhD

English Language Fellow

Aleksander Xhuvani University

Elbasan, Albania

https://lwzimmerman.wordpress.com/poland-workshop-materials-may-2015/

Lynn.Zimmerman@trainingexpress.es

Principals of engaged learning• Students are “engaged” in the learning process

through a variety of activities including:

– Discovery (through games, reading or other activities)

– Speaking

– Asking and answering questions

– Making mistakes

Principals of engaged learning

• Engaged learning in the classroom:

– Be allowed to choose some of their own activities

– Be encouraged to ask questions

– Be encouraged to help each other discover answers to questions

– Change activities often to keep interest

– Speak often

Discussion• What does an engaged classroom look like and

sound like?

According to school principal, George Couros… An engaged classroom has these features:

Voice – students can share their knowledge Choice – students can move about and choose some of their

own activities Time for reflection – students should have time to

discuss/write about what they have learned Opportunities for innovation– students should be allowed to

create and innovate Self assessment – students can showcase what they have learned

and reflect on it

In an engaged classroom the students are… Critical thinkers – students should have the opportunity

to question and to develop their own ideas and opinions in the classroom.

Problem finders/ solvers – students need to have opportunities to find and solve REAL problems

Connected learners – their learning should relate to the world outside the classroom. Teachers can use technology to help with this.

ACTIVITIES We are going to participate in several activities. You will rotate around the room to participate in each. The activities will be done in small groups as learning

stations. Each one will last approximately 6-8 minutes. At the end of the time, you will hear me clap. When you hear

the clap, please go to the next station.

Considerations• While participating in the various activities,

think about how they might work in your own classroom.

• Consider the following:– How could this activity be adapted to the age

group I will be working with?– How can I personalize the activities to make them

more appealing to my students?

Activity One - Colors and Numbers CardsThere are cards on the table which have the numbers 1-10. There are 3 of each number and they are different colors,

red, blue or green.There are two possibilities for games:

Go Fish – the object of the game is to make sets of numbers, one of each color. Each player draws 4 cards. Then in turn you ask for a certain color of card (e.g., Do you have a red 1?). If the person asked has it, they give it to the asker. If not, they say ‘Go Fish’ and the asker has to draw a card. Then it is the next persons time. The game ends when someone empties their hand and the person with the most sets wins.

Memory – You can decide whether matches must be numbers or colors.

Activity Two- Games, Games, Games! • In pairs, choose one of the games on the table and

play.• There are several games, so if you finish a game, you

can choose to play another one. • There are markers and spinners, but there are no rules

so be creative about deciding how you want to play!

Activity Three - Poetry Writing

• There are writing prompts for two types of poems.

• Each person in the group will choose which of the two types of poem they want to write.

• Write your poem.

• Share your writing with the group.

Activity Four – Puzzles Galore!

• Each person should choose one of the puzzles to complete.

• If you finish before time is up, choose another one.

Activity Five - Picture discussion

Look at the pictures and each person should choose one.

In turns, describe your picture using the guided questions to discuss them.

If you finish before the time is up, choose another picture to discuss.

Activity 6 - WordScapes

• In your group, choose one of the pictures and complete the activity associated with that picture.

• Do not choose the same picture as another group.

Feedback - Turn and Talk

• Which skills did you use in the activities?• Which age group/proficiency level was each activity best

suited for?• How could you adapt these activities to other groups? • What activity did you learn the most from or find the most

meaningful?

Some Ideas for Pre-Literate Learners

• Listening Center

• Alphabet Center– http://www.kidslearningstation.com/

preschool/alphabet-worksheets.asp

• Storytelling Center using pictures

Resources• Free printable games and game templates

– http://www.esl-galaxy.com– www.toolsforeducators.com– www.eslgamesworld.com– http://donnayoung.org (templates to fill in after

printing) – www.busyteacher.org (worksheets, games,

activities for all four skills and every level)– www.Americanenglish.state.gov

More resources• http://georgecouros.ca/blog/archives/3586• https://www.youtube.com/watch?

v=JUnhyyw8_kY (TED Talk on engaging students in being problem finders and problem solvers)

• Intrator, Sam M. “The Engaged Classroom”. Educational Leadership. http://www.flec.ednet.ns.ca/staff/PFI%202005-6/The%20Engaged%20Classroom.pdf