Learning centers are often discussed in articles related to primary grade students. But, the benefits of learning centers as an instructional strategy can also be realized in the college classroom. For more information on Learning Centers, contact the CEE today at cee@unoh.edu or 419-998-3102.

2. What are
learning centers?
Center
1
Center
2
Center
3
Center
4
Center
5
WHAT’S AT WORK HERE?
• Small groups (Alvermann, Dillion, & O’Brien, 1987; Readence,
Bean, & Baldwin, 2004)
• Social Learning Theory (Piaget, Vygotsky)
• Peer Teaching
• Peer Learning
• Discussion Learning
• Cooperative Learning
• Problem Solving
• Debate
• Practice
• Enrichment
• Task Centered
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?
• Increased motivation
• Increased involvement
• Increased engagement
• Increased student confidence
• Increased attitude toward class/instructor
Learning centers are defined as a set of carefully constructed activities designed to guide groups of students as they
acquire specific skills” (Higgins & Miller, 2009, p. 23).

3. Considerations
• Center Materials
• What learning materials should be provided at each center to
center to support students in learning concepts and
completing tasks.
• What directions are needed at each center?
• Will students have specific roles to assume at each center?
center?
• Center Organization
• How will you group students?
• How will you group tasks?
• How will you keep students on-task?
• Independent Learning Activities to Prep & Throughout
• What knowledge or task ability should students master prior
prior to participating in the centers?
• What learning activities can students complete at each center
center in addition to the group activities?
• Follow-Up Activities
• How will you assess learning?
• Will students complete a follow-up assignment or project
project or quiz?
Center
1
Center
2
Center
3
Center
4
Center
5

4. Examples
• Specific centers set up around the room --
- students move
• Specific tasks given to students in folders
--- students fairly stationary
• Shared tasks with poster paper around
room for students to compile thoughts,
progress, brainstorming
• Engage both the small group and the
individual
• Specific roles for different group
i.e. time keeper, task moderator, note-
keeper, reporter, etc.
Knowledge Application
– case studies, scenarios,
probing questions,
application activities,
formative assessment of
knowledge at various
taxonomy levels
Skill Practice –
specific skills-based tasks,
formative assessment of
skills

5. CENTER
#1
CENTER
#2
CENTER
#3
CENTER
#4
CENTER
#5
OPTION A:
 Learning centers are stationary.
 Student groups move through the centers.
Works well when:
• The order of the centers is not critical (e.g. the group that starts at
Center #5 will move to Center #1 next).
• You have the space for students to move.
• You have a variety of materials for each station’s set-up.
Benefits:
• Many types of materials can be set up at each station.
• Centers can reset so each group starts anew OR groups can add their
outcomes which can be built on by the groups that will visit the center
next.
• Having students physically move offers a kinesthetic transition period.
Drawbacks:
• Space is needed for students to travel between centers.
• Classroom management must be a focus during the moving/transition
time.
OPTION A

6. GROUP
#1
GROUP
#2
GROUP
#3
GROUP
#4
GROUP
#5
OPTION B:
 Student groups are stationary.
 Learning Centers rotate from group to group.
Works well when:
• The order of the centers is not critical (e.g. the group that starts with
materials for Center #1 will receive the materials for Center #5 next).
• You don’t have space for student groups to easily move around the
room.
• Centers use materials that can be easily passed from group to group.
Benefits:
• Centers can reset so each group starts anew OR groups can add their
outcomes which can be built on by the groups that will get the center
next.
Drawbacks:
• Centers must be easily passed from group to group.
• Students are stationary which prohibits a kinesthetic transition
period.
OPTION B

7. GROUP
#1
GROUP
#2
GROUP
#4
GROUP
#5
GROUP
#3
OPTION C:
 Student groups are stationary.
 Learning centers are stationary.
Works well when:
• The order of the centers is critical (e.g. each group needs to start with
the same task and progress sequentially to the final task).
• You don’t have space for student groups to easily move around the
room.
• Enough materials are available for each group to have their own.
Benefits:
• There are no transitions required between groups or centers.
• No management of centers between groups.
• Each group has their own materials to work from.
Drawbacks:
• Students and centers are stationary which prohibits a kinesthetic
transition period.
• There is no opportunity to have groups build on the work of other
groups.
OPTION C

8. Contact the CEE for
more information or planning assistance!