WELCOME TO THE FLIPPED CLASSROOM
Combining learning at school and at home
MEET JULIE, GRADE 8 SCIENCE TEACHER
Introduction
The only way new ideas become reliable routines is by trying them to see what happens!
Have you considered incorporating a flipped classroom into your workplace? If not, why not? What IS a flipped classroom anyway?
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We'll learn about the flipped classroom over the next 10 minutes but, first, here's what you should expect to achieve by the end of our time together.
Learning Objectives:
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Value a flipped classroom.
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Identify where a flipped classroom could be incorporated into your workplace.
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Examine how the pros and cons of a flipped classroom relate to your situation.
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So grab a pencil and paper and let's get started...
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WHAT IS A FLIPPED CLASSROOM?
A flipped classroom is simply a learning model. Instead of the traditional way of teaching, providing instruction and then giving homework, it introduces new learning as homework and then uses class time to apply, discuss or practice new knowledge.
HIGHLIGHTS
What does a flipped classroom look like?
INDIVIDUALIZED LEARNING
A flipped classroom can turn class time into a more individualized experience.
Teachers no longer address students as a group. Instead, they teach students individually or in small groups so they can apply their knowledge at their optimal level.
Knowledge is applied in a hands-on way that allows for a more differentiated, individual experience.
Instructional Approaches
Flipped classrooms support many types of instructional approaches...
PROS AND CONS
PROS
Offers students greater control over their learning. Their needs guide class time.
Offers students more autonomy when practicing and applying skills and knowledge.
Encourages exploration of new concepts and topics.
Can be highly efficient and encourages student engagement.
Teachers can flip entire classrooms or one lesson as a trial.
Learner-centric.
CONS
It relies heavily on technology that some students cannot access due to socioeconomic or geographical reasons.
Relies on students having the motivation to learn at home.
Timing of lessons needs to be flexible since not all students will learn at the same pace.
Teachers must be flexible and responsive in order to monitor many students at varying levels of knowledge and skills.
REFLECTION
Now that you know the pros and cons of a flipped classroom, is there a specific pro or con that stands out? Why?
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Take a moment to think about these questions and jot down your answers for future reference.
READY, SET...FLIP!
Now it's your turn. Let's flip your classroom.
RESOURCES
Further your knowledge.
An excellent introduction to flipped classrooms.
A video that goes through the reasons why to flip and the process of flipping.
More pros and cons.
This TED talk is a bit longer but has lots of info including why and how to flip a classroom and important details such as pitfalls and the importance of projects.
This site provides lots of direction and advice on how to implement flipped activities. It covers how to overcome some of the challenges flipped classrooms cause such as technology gaps and unprepared students.
As the title suggests, this site provides a step-by-step guide if you're a first time flipper.
A great resource that compares flipped and conventional classroom learning.
A great resource on Universal Design for Learning.
An introduction to gamification and six examples.
CHOOSE YOUR LESSON
The first step is to choose a topic or lesson your would like to flip.
Will it be:
the life cycle of butterflies?
solving advanced trigonometry?
how an airplane flies?
...or something else?
CHOOSE THE INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH
Choose the instructional approach(es) for your lesson.
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Will you:
record video or audio lectures?
create an animation?
create an explainer video?
assign a research assignment?
...or something else?
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CONDUCT THE LESSON
Try out your new lesson.
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Don't forget to:
teach your students how to function effectively within a flipped classroom.
give yourself and your students time to get used to this instructional model.
ask your students how they liked this approach.
ask for advice from your colleagues.
don't give up!
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