The Flipped Classroom
-Leveraging another Tool-
"Control Freaks Need Not Apply!"
The Pros
From ThinkFinity
- "The students are engaging with materials predetermined by the teacher, so the teacher maintains a certain level of control. The questions the students prepare may be broad, but the teacher's got a ground base from which to work.
- Students are thinking critically.
- Students get to vocalize what they're not understanding, which gives them a sense of choice and/or involvement in mapping out how their learning is proceeding (rather than feeling like they're being talked at). Although some students may have quicker comprehension than others, by knowing in advance what students are struggling to grasp, your lesson plans will entail information that's probably less redundant to the students than it might otherwise be.
- Students get to boost their electronic skills, which is helpful in such a social media/computer-based society.
- Students may feel more comfortable working together in groups than working off of pitches from the teacher."
From TeachHub
Helps kids who were absent, stay current.
Helps kids who don't get the lesson the first time in class.
Good resource for teacher assistants or student support staff who may not know the curriculum or may not know what to focus on.
Can attach Google spreadsheets or other online quizzes to check for comprehension, along with the video link sent to students
The Cons
- While reading printed materials outside of the classroom isn't usually a problem, especially if the teacher prints them off and gives them to the students, not all students may have access to computers at home/outside of school. So if the teacher's planning on having students watch a video or listen to a podcast (which are really great ideas and can be very visually and intellectually stimulating), it'd be helpful if the student has the ability to access these tools on school grounds in case s/he can't do so at home. If the school's library/media center doesn't have access to whatever the students should watch/listen to, the teacher may want to show/play these tools during class.
- Some students don't fair well in group environments, whether they're shy or embarrassed, etc. They may fair better in written responses or one-on-one conversations. So the teacher has to consider how s/he evaluates student group participation and keep in mind that just because one student doesn't speak up as frequently as another doesn't mean that student is less articulate or didn't do the homework; his/her learning style just might not be conducive to group settings.
- Small group assignments require a certain level of monitoring and engagement to make sure they don't derail, which can be tricky on a class-by-class basis. Students might not stay on task and start talking about unrelated topics. Group dynamics might also differ such that one group needs more time to answer a question, while another speeds right through the questions/problems. So time management and an adequate arsenal of work for students to do that enhances their learning (and isn't "busy" work) is key--and that's an issue for any class.
From TeachHub
I have a long way to go in my skill set in making the videos interesting (they, to me anyway, are really boring to watch).
I’m not sure how much they (the videos) are being utilized. There are just certain items that are learned better through direct one on one contact.
I know as I'm teaching, I get direct feedback from my students by looking at their faces and gauging comprehension. I, as a teacher, don't get that feedback as I'm designing and creating my videos.”
"Be Able To Give Up The Control."
Our Thoughts
- I personally like the idea of flipping a classroom. I feel that it allows an opportunity for classes to go more in depth than they would normally be able to go.
- There is now more time for reinforcement activities that are now able to be monitored by the teacher.
- We are able to tie in the lesson to other content areas.
- We can hold class debates or discussions related to the lesson.
- Students can listen to the videos numerous times, and can replay specific areas that are needed.
- It is easier to make up work when students are gone.
- It can be cost efficient.
-What We Dislike-
- It can be difficult for teachers; it can be extremely time consuming.
- I worry that students may not watch the video at home; therefore, this would defeat the entire purpose.
- What if there are technical issues that arise at a student's home, and if so, how can you fault or get upset a student for not being prepared?
- I do not like the idea of some students being way ahead of others. I believe that this will mess up their grades significantly.
- What if you have a student that "plays the game" and knows they are able to work at their own pace, and does very little?
Note: These are our original flaws with the Flipped Classroom. However, the creators or idea thinkers do address any possible questions and solutions on their video Flipped Class 101 and on the website Flipped Classroom.
"A new method of teaching is turning the traditional classroom on its head."
Amber Morgan and Phillip Lee
Phillip Lee- B.A. Middle Grades Education Science and Social Studies.
Email: am10486@georgiasouthern.edu
Website: Desire2Learn.com
Location: Georgia
Phone: 4785420225
Facebook: facebook.com/gsu.studentwork.com
Twitter: @gradlife