During a few of our classes at the beginning of the semester, the term "flipped classroom" kept coming up and I had absolutely no clue to what they were talking about. I even researched a little of what it was and was still very confused by what it truly was. Now, after taking time to learn this model and teach it in the classroom with our peers, I understand what it is.
A flipped classroom is a model where a teacher records the lesson through video, posts it and has the students watch it at home. Then, when the whole class is back together the next day, they are able to work on the learned material and practice it in class.
This model allows for a more student-centered classroom, as well as allowing the students to have more control over their learning and studies. This type of teaching also allows parents to watch what their child is learning and participate if they so choose. It is a great way to get them involved and help them feel more connected to the classroom. It is a great way to offer kids more academic practice in the classroom, rather than be lost at home. Students can come prepared with questions from the previous night's learning and experience growth in class.
There are some cons to this teaching as well. This can only be done if the students have access to a computer. If there is no access, it immediately makes this model more difficult. There must also be a lot of preparation and trust involved in these lessons. If the students do not watch the lesson at home, they automatically fall behind in class.
Now that I have one experience to tie this to, I can make a slightly more educated opinion of this model classroom. I find it to be helpful in the event that I would like to work with my students on the learned material and expand their knowledge on the subject. But, in the case of preparedness, trust and access, I find it to be a little strange; both to the student and the teacher. I had the experience of watching a classmates video one night and by the next day, I had forgotten some of what was in the video. I found it difficult to be both the student and the teacher's roles in this situation.
But I am not going to leave it at that. Flipped classrooms have many benefits. I do like that the practice can be monitored in the classroom and that this doesn't load the students down with tons of homework. I like the progression towards technology and incorporating this into the classroom. For the future of my teaching career, I may use the flipped classroom model a few times, but it will not be my most used approach. I find it useful to know this model so that I may use it or appropriate lessons, but not all lessons should use this model.
Reference: http://www.teachthought.com/trends/10-pros-cons-flipped-classroom/
Much love,
Brittany Kertesz
Brittany,
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your thoughts on the flipped classroom. Like all things in education, it has pro's and con's. However, as you mentioned above, the pro's can help in many ways.
On the other hand, many teachers place a high value on homework. How many times do parents help, students cheat, or student forget how to complete the assignment? Many times, homework grades make or break students. I think this model has potential to reduce that burden.
-JP
Hey Brittany. I was the same way in the beginning of the semester when Flip Classroom was first brought up. I thought it meant the students became teachers and the teachers became students to be completely honest. I also now understand the whole flip lesson concept now that I have participated in some myself. I like the overall idea however, I worry about some issues I would run into such as students not having computers at home, the internet not working, or simply the students forgetting to watch the video because it is not part of their typical homework routine.
ReplyDeleteB,
ReplyDeleteI feel we were all the same way in the beginning when the idea of the flipped classroom was brought up. We were all scared, but now that we've taught a flipped lesson, I'm not as scared. Like Taylor, I am worried about students not having any internet at home, or just having the internet as another excuse to not do their homework, but I guess knowledge of those issues will come about when I actually have yy class and know my students.
Brittany,
ReplyDeleteI felt the same way when we were discussing the flipped classroom method at the beginning of the semester. After researching it further and using it in a lesson I have a better understanding of what the flipped classroom method is. I loved that you said this method allows parents to participate and be active in their child's learning! Great post!