USING LEARNING CENTERS IN THE ELEMENTARY CLASSROOM
The purpose of this paper is to examine research on creating and managing learning centers in primary school classrooms. In general, the learning center can be defined as an area in a classroom, such as a corner in the room, that defines a specific focus or affords a unique learning opportunity (Pattillo & Vaughan, 1992). In her discussion of learning centers for the primary grades, Cosgrove (1992) states that learning centers are places for students to develop and improve upon skills in social contexts, giving students opportunities to participate in thought-provoking activities by stimulating curiosity within a cooperative setting. It is noted that a good deal of learning in primary grade learning centers utilizes a hands-on approach in which children get to touch and manipulate various learning resources.
How does a teacher create and manage the learning center? According to Cosgrove (1992), the first step is to decide on the nature of the learning center. She states that there are essentially two types of centers. The first and most popular is said to be the "thematic learning center" in which learning activities are organized by skills, novel interests, or integrated themes. A second type of learning center is game-like in nature and focuses on luck rather than ability; in other words, in these centers students learn by playing games that are designed to develop and build the skills being taught.
In terms of organizing the center, Cosgrove (1992) points out that teachers should develop center objectives followed by a set of directions for managing the center and a means of evaluating both student performance in the center and the general effectiveness of the center itself. It is further noted that teachers must consider the various ways in which space availability, time constraints and student movement will affect center activities and organize appropriately.
Fox (199...