Horn & Staker, 2015 suggest that a hybrid Rotation model is best suited when implementing a blended learning model into a face-to -face primary classroom. A Rotation model is where students rotate either on a fixed schedule or when a teacher chooses between the different learning activities, with at least one station being capable of accessing the Internet for learning online. During the online portion, students have some control over their own pace and path.
Two types of Rotation models you can use in your classroom are suggested.
Lab Rotation for Numeracy
Lab Rotation is like the Station Rotation model but students are rotating out of the classroom into a computer lab on a fixed schedule, or at the teacher's discretion. When students are in the computer lab they are learning predominantly online. Often this involves your whole class going to the lab for blocks of time during the week. This means that your classroom instruction time could follow more of a traditional approach using whole group instruction. This model is often a great way to start implementing a blended learning approach. You can begin gradually by looking at what lessons might work better if the students were able to learn at their own pace in an online setting. During the Computer Lab Rotation students work at their own pace completing the designated learning activities. During the face-to-face lesson days the teacher provides support or enrichment activities as needed. Teachers gather the information to direct their instruction through computer generated assessment and during class lessons.
There are many variations to using this model. When students are not in the Computer Lab Rotation some teachers prefer students rotate in their classroom through the other three stations -teacher station, independent practice, partner/group work; like the Station Rotation model. Other teachers may prefer more of a weekly schedule like the ones following.
A numeracy Station Rotation model is a Rotation model where students rotate between different classroom-based learning modalities at the teacher’s discretion. To set up a Station Rotation model in your class you need to divide your class into 4 groups based on students' Math ability. This is important because when you are using this model you want your teacher led direct instruction to be at a similar level for all in the group you’re working with. The Math game rotation time also works better for students to be playing with other students of the same ability level.
These groups will be flexible throughout the year- as you work through different concepts you will find students have stronger skills in certain areas, for example their spatial reasoning may be a lot stronger than their place value. Therefore, with each new concept it is a good idea to create a baseline assessment. You can either give students a pre-assessment paper and pencil activity or use technology to assess your students. Our district completes a baseline assessment that is administered at the beginning of the year for all Grade three students. The Prodigy app also allows the teacher to set up a baseline assessment on students. Khan Academy gives prerequisite assessment for units and missions. Like reading groups, it is important to change the groupings throughout the year to ensure you are always meeting individual needs. You can have colour coded groups, numbered groups or use characters.
Stations are familiar to all of us as many primary classrooms use a station approach to provide differentiated instruction in Reading. In Math you can have four or five stations, one of which is a Teacher Station where the teacher will teach small group targeted skills that the group is ready for. This allows you to differentiate the content and delivery to each group. Sometimes this Station is used after a whole-group lesson to re-teach or to extend the learning based on the group's abilities.
Another station will be the Technology Station where students work on an iPad or computer. During this time the students will be working on their assigned activities using technology. It may be that they are working on an assigned task in Freckle Education, Prodigy, Khan Academy or completing an assessment piece during this block. After this Station is complete I log into my teacher account and make further assessments so that I can decide where students need future instruction.
A third station is the Independent Practice Station where students complete a worksheet or activity to build on a new skill or to reinforce an existing skill. This activity is usually presented to the students during your Teacher Station so they understand the directions when working at this station independently.
The fourth station is the Group/Partner PracticeStation where students work with collaborative partners. I often use this station as a game station that reinforces a Math skill they are working on. This station allows students to learn through peer interactions and collaborative problem solving.