The Flipped Classroom is a relatively new approach to teaching where students learn the content at home at their own pace, via instructional and interactive videos. This is helpful to teachers and students alike as it provides students the advantage of previewing the material in advance and arriving prepared to engage with concepts through activities.
Flipped Classrooms have several requirements as well as several benefits. Let’s get the obvious requirements out of the way first. To begin with, Flipped Classrooms rely heavily on technology. In order for students to access a range of digital lessons and activities prior to class, teachers must first be technologically savvy enough to create and distribute said lessons. Next, students will require some form of computer device to access the materials at home or abroad. From my experience as a teacher a predominantly digital school, I know many students have their own personal devices or at least have access to a shared family device. However, I also know that there are still a significant number of students who do not have access to such devices, outside of school. If, however, a school was in fact able to provide its students with sufficient access to these digital resources, there still remains the most important of the requirements: That students actually review the material prior to class. This, in my opinion, would prove to be more difficult than merely supplying a student with a laptop. These requirements, while unflinching, are balanced by the many benefits of this new method of teaching. Schools that have participated in Flipped Classrooms have shown student improvement in both math and English. One benefit of this method is that students can prepare for class at their own pace, on their own terms. If a student needs to rewatch a portion, or an entire lesson, they are free to do so. Students are then better prepared for the following class where they are able to interact with the material in a more authentic and engaging manner. Another benefit of this approach is that teachers really only need to make their videos once. For example, if a teacher created a digital introductory activity for a project, they could reuse that video the following year when they teach that topic again. Furthermore, teachers can share videos and resources with one another from all around the world, along with feedback. I personally find this concept very interesting. I have only been teaching for a few years, but all of my teaching has been at a Project Based Learning school that encourages students to bring their own digital devices. This unique perspective may be the reason I am so instinctively on board with this approach. Thanks to my Master’s program, I have become more familiar with educational technology such as creating tutorial videos for students and thus see how easily method could be implemented. Going forward with my teaching career, I anticipate I will create a range of videos and digital activities for my students as homework in order to free up class time for more hands on learning.
3 Comments
I'm with you on students limits of devices or network at home to make everyone ready for what is to open in class. I've done with with advance students and some are ready other are watching the video or reading the information during class to be able to work on the next step in class. I think the idea is great making it work is another thing.
Reply
I also have been learning about flipped classrooms over the last few years. Before, when I taught at an elite private school, I thought that flipped classrooms were totally flawless. Now, I recognize the challenge of reaching students with limited technology. It made me realize that access to technology is EVERYTHING. I do like the idea of students READY to talk about the topic for class. When I taught freshman English, I loved when students had actually completed the reading assignment BEFORE class and we could have a true discussion!
Reply
Nancy
4/27/2017 04:35:14 pm
I like your point about how a teacher only has to make a video presentation once and if done wisely and in little mini-lessons, they can be used again with a variety of classes and over the years. I also agree that it's an advantage for the students to be able to go at their own pace and rewatch presentations.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorThe best teachers never cease to be students. Archives
December 2017
Categories |