Lab Rotation Definition
The idea behind it is basically that learners participate in offline activities in the traditional brick-and-mortar setting, and then move to online activities in a computer lab. It looks almost the same as the Station Rotation model, but there’s a difference. Unlike the Station Rotation model, where both offline and online activities take place in one and the same class, the Lab Rotation requires learners to physically change rooms.
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Implementing a Lab Rotation model
The Lab Rotation model can be set up the following way: learners spend one part of their day in a computer lab working through the online curriculum at their own pace. Another part of the day they work in a class with a teacher to reinforce what they learned in the lab and can cover tricky questions.
In a computer lab, learners can work flexibly at their own pace, spending as much time as they need in order to understand the material. During face-to-face interaction, teachers provide support or enrichment activities as needed. A teacher may also group the students, and all the groups may be working on something different based on where they’re at and what mastery level they’ve shown.
Another method of implementing this model is as follows:
- A mini-lesson is delivered in the formal training room
- Those who grasp the subject move onto the computer lab station for independent practice at their own pace
- Learners who need additional support are able to receive personalized attention in a small group
This method allows the teacher to intervene quickly if learners need additional support.
While the Lab Rotation model is most commonly used in schools, it can still be applied effectively in organizations. Formal face-to-face training takes part in a meeting/training room to impart the key learnings. The employees can then move to another meeting room to access the online learning on their devices or laptops, or return to their desks. The trainer is then available in the training room to offer additional support and guidance in smaller groups.