Design Station Rotations

NOTE: This strategy is part of the self-paced Use Assessment as a Tool for Learning Course

Station rotation empowers learners to rotate through different stations or learning activities, each designed to meet their individual needs and learning styles. Ideally, stations include a variety of learning settings: independent (ideal for DOK levels 1-2), collaborative (ideal for DOK levels 3-4), and teacher-led (responsive and tailored to the strengths and needs of the group).

Bright Spots

Gain inspiration from authentic examples of this strategy shared by teachers who have used them with their learners.

Creating your own Bright Spots? Let’s get them out into the world! Share yours here.

Two-Station Rotation

At Mona Elementary School in Utah, students work through a 2-station rotation. One station is independent work, and the other is small-group targeted instruction with the teacher.

Station Grouping Using Formative Data

Jamie Thomas at Rochester Middle School in New Hampshire, leads small-group instruction as a station. Station groups are formed using formative data from the previous day’s exit ticket, so groups are re-formed each day. In her small group, she re-teaches or extends as needed. Meanwhile, the other two student groups work through an independent station leveraging adaptive math software and at the collaborative station, learners work together to spot errors and correct them in more complex math problems.

Teacher-Led Stations

Photo source: https://twitter.com/GHSDrAllen/status/1199338646891044864

Glasgow High School students practice their grammar in Spanish class through a station rotation. The teacher-led station is intentionally flexible, designed only for students to pose questions and get formative feedback.

Resources

Inspired? Use the resources below to bring this learner-centered strategy to your learning community.

📺 Station Rotation: Differentiating Instruction to Reach All Students
📖 How do I set up a station rotation model in my classroom?
🎧 Learn more about the station rotation model in this podcast by Catlin Tucker
🧰 Template virtual station rotation slides

Related Learner-Centered Content

If you found this helpful, try this related strategy:

Learn More in this Learner-Centered Course:

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Associated Learner-Centered Competencies:

Modify Path or Pace:
I use quantitative and qualitative evidence to understand individual strengths and opportunities to co-design personalized learning paths with learners

Provide Voice and Choice:
I design learning experiences that offer flexibility in process, product and/or pace.