Application of station rotation approach in teaching science to develop natural science competencies for primary school students

Abstract

According to the 2018 General Education Curriculum, the Grade 4 Science subject aims to develop student competencies, with natural science competency being a specific competency of this subject. Station rotation (learning by station) is an instructional approach in which students carry out learning tasks at different stations or locations within the classroom. Students will master different learning content at each station, and after rotating through the stations, they will have completed the learning tasks. Each station essentially represents a learning task with accompanying materials and resources. This paper analyzes the concept and role of station-based teaching, and proposes a process for applying station-based teaching in Grade 4 Science instruction to develop students’ natural science competencies. The process includes the following steps: 1/ Identify the required natural science competencies and learning tasks, 2/Prepare the supporting materials and resources for each station, 3/Assign learning tasks, and guide students’ station-based learning activities, 4/ Students work at the various stations, 5/ Evaluate and summarize the learning activities. The research also provides specific examples of applying the station-based approach in Grade 4 Science instruction to develop primary school students’ natural science competencies.