In Math Lab we maximize the amount of time students spend in on task learning behavior.  We do this by organizing our classroom into three separate stations.  Studies have shown that the typical middle school student has an approximate attention span of less than 11 minutes.  With appropriate teacher supervision and reminders this can be extended to 15 or 20 minutes.  This is about the amount of time students spend each day in each of the three math lab stations which are illustrated in each of the three links below.  Students are placed in small groups of 3-5 students and asked to rotate from station to station every 15 – 20 minutes.  This allows the students a chance to refocus their attention to a new task.  Small group instruction also gives teachers more opportunities to monitor student learning.  There are two instructors in the classroom at all times which is another means by which we maximize on task time.  The three links below describe in further detail what is done by students in each of the three Math Lab stations.

Precision Timing

Plato Station

Daily Activity