Using Work Stations  Strategy Index | Algebra Index | Regents Exam Prep Center

Basically, the idea is to prepare one set (between 6 and 10 pages) of "worksheets" which will be placed at desks clustered around the room to review (or practice) mathematical concepts.

The concept of stations works well with all styles of problems.  The problems may be simple algebraic practice problems, word problems, application problems, problems using manipulatives and/or writing problems.  The choice is yours.

Work stations are a wonderful opportunity for students to "discuss" mathematics. 

Directions:

• Decide upon the number of stations you will create.  Usually a minimum of 6 stations is used for a class of 24 or more students.

• Decide upon the "length" of time it will take for students to complete the work at each station.  Try to plan the problems so that each station will require approximately the same amount of time to complete.  Your stations may contain only ONE problem (requiring perhaps one or two minutes to solve) or SEVERAL problems (requiring 5 to 10 minutes to solve).  The choice is yours.

• Create the station worksheets.  An elaborate approach is to create the pages using clipart and a word processor, complete with matching answer sheet.  It can, however, be as simple as cutting apart a worksheet (or review sheet) that you already have available.  I often use a combination of the two approaches-- I create station pages complete with clipart and then tape my questions to the pages.  Whichever approach you use, I suggest that you purchase plastic sheet protectors to house your pages.  This prevents the students from writing on the sheets and it preserves the sheets for use the following year.  If students write on the plastic, it will wipe off (even marks made with pen).

• Create an answer sheet. This sheet can be a creative masterpiece, or simply directions to the students to number a sheet of paper from 1 to 6.

• Set up the stations.  Arrange your desks in clusters to accommodate your stations and your class size.  You may do this before class or simply ask the class to help you cluster the desks.

• Assign students to a group. Use any creative manner you wish to group your students. Assign each group to a station.  Explain that when the time is up, each group will move to the next station number, progressing in sequential order.  The group at the last station will move to the first station.

• Check on the time.  Watch the room to see about how long it is taking students to finish the stations.  Set that time as your allotted time.

• Give the signal to change stations.  Give a signal that it is time for everyone to move to the next station.  Remind the students that the worksheet STAYS at its original station.

• When finished, you may collect the answer papers to be checked or graded; you may discuss the answers in class; you may have the students check their answers against a key and discuss any questions that caused trouble; or you may devise another method for dealing with the results.