The Role of Workstations

I ensure the success of all my students in both primary and secondary school by differentiating instruction and building strong relationships with students and their families. Differentiation in my classroom is manifested through workstations. By acknowledging the individual needs, strengths, and interests of my students, I am able to create multiple pathways to success in my classroom.

Listen as I share my passion for using workstations in the classroom. I share my experience using this strategy both as a high-school and elementary-school teacher. Through anecdotes and discussion of research, I describe the power of workstations in my instructional practice. 

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Workstations in Action

Third grade students collaborate on a storytelling activity with image cards.

I work with preschoolers on a teacher-led station using arts integration.

Students receive my instructions and reminders in a prerecorded video. ​

Differentiation

A unique element of my instruction is workstations in which students work in cooperative groups on rigorous communicative tasks. Workstations are a lever to differentiate for all learners, from heritage speakers of Spanish to students with disabilities. I create workstations that respond to students' interests, learning needs, and cultures. When possible, I integrate an element of choice into workstations.

​Teacher-Guided Station

Students participate in a series of different activities in collaboration with their peers while I work with one group in a guided lesson. In the teacher-led station, I fully differentiate for each student based on his or her specific learning needs. The teacher-led workstation is an opportunity for me to connect one-on-one with students and actively gage their understanding and engagement. Generally, teacher-led workstations focus on speaking and listening. 

Arts Integration 

​My background in professional singing is integral to my arts-integrated approach. I provide multiple means of language acquisition and demonstration of learning through music and performance. With clear expectations and a classroom culture oriented around student achievement, I send students to collaborate on language learning tasks that promote communication, analysis, and joyful learning.​

Logistics and Planning

I develop workstations around learning objectives and communicative tasks. First, I establish a safe learning environment with high expectations of student achievement and clear expectations of behavior. Before each lesson, we review behavioral expectations in Spanish as a fun routine. For each workstation, I design folders with detailed instructions, materials, handouts, and supplies for each group. Each station offers a unique way to meet unit objectives.