Allowing our students to learn actively is vital for us. Exploring, learning, practicing, and applying are essential steps in the process, and centers enable us to have efficient and dynamic class hours. Our teachers have become great creators of activities that facilitate differentiated work in centers to develop and enhance various skills in our students.
This learning strategy has proven excellent results for our students and teachers. The versatility of activities and skills that can be addressed makes the classes effective and engaging. Dividing the group into centers allows for personalized learning spaces. Students rotate between centers to ensure they are exposed to all practices, enriching their experience. Learning to value a peer’s contribution and analyzing a solution together in a collaborative center provides socio-emotional tools that are very important to foster and work on within the classroom.
The teacher-guided centers offer a much more intimate space where assessment, explanation, and support are tailored to the student’s needs. When centers are autonomous, teachers can observe, evaluate, and adjust their approach based on what they see and hear while students work on independence and responsibility. They know the center’s expectations and are responsible for measuring their progress as they advance through the proposed challenge. In short, centers positively contribute to our students’ experience and skill development.
