Flipped Classroom

Imagine having a classroom that did not always involve lecturing. Where the teacher was seen as more of just a facilitator and the students were able to interact and learn at the same time. Imagine being able to have a lecture done at home and the students are able to work on assigned problems in class. That is what the flipped classroom is. The flipped classroom is a new innovation created by Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams that has shown great success in classrooms thus far. There are many questions about what the flipped classroom actually is and how it can benefit students. Those questions will be answered.

What is the flipped classroom?

•    It is where the classroom is actually “flipped.” Teachers record videos of a lecture for students to watch at home and the class works on assigned problems actually in the classroom.
•   Teachers act as facilitators in the class and can help students one on one with their work instead       of having students struggle at home.

What are the benefits

•     There is more contact time between the teacher and students
•     Students must take responsibility for their own learning
•    More interaction and individual attention between the students and teachers
•     Students that are absent do not fall behind
•     Engaged and personalized learning

 How does it work?

•  The teacher records what he or she would normally lecture.    Students watch those videos before coming to school and when they get to school and class starts, they apply what they already know. 
• The time in the classroom is spent mainly on applying rather than just lecturing.

The flipped classroom has proven to work! Math, science, and foreign language topics have been mastered thanks to the flipped classroom. Many teachers are hesitant about it because it is very different than what we are used to, but it is worth it once you figure it out. The flipped classroom is not just replacing teachers with videos. The teachers are in the classroom helping students one on one with aspects they might be struggling with. It is not just students working in isolation. Students work together and with the teacher to make sure they truly understand what they are learning. Lastly, it is not just all about the videos. The most important and crucial aspect is the face-to-face time the students and teacher spend together. In the class they are conducting meaningful activities, asking questions, and working together.

References

The flipped classroom infographic. (2008). Retrieved from http://www.knewton.com/flipped-classroom/

How the flipped classroom is radically transforming learning. (2012, April 15). Retrieved from http://www.thedailyriff.com/articles/how-the-flipped-classroom-is-radically-transforming-learning-536.php

Niederberger, M. (2012, May 09). New twist in education: 'flipped classroom'. Retrieved from http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-west/new-twist-in-education-flipped-classroom-makes-homework-an-in-school-effort-puts-lectures-online-216213/

Bergmann, J., Overmyer, J., & Wilie, B. (2012, April 14). The flipped classs: myths vs. reality. Retrieved from http://www.thedailyriff.com/articles/the-flipped-class-conversation-689.php