The Flipped Classroom

A few parents have inquired about the effectiveness and usability of The Flipped Classroom. Although we will be talking about this at our Curriculum Chat, I have decided to share some information to introduce it to everyone.

For starters, click here for a tutorial of how to submit an assignment on Edmodo.

In today's world, it's almost impossible to get away from using technology. In fact, in education, businesses and social realms, it's depended on for almost everything. As a teacher, I feel it as part of my responsibility to prepare students for our technological world.

So how does this directly affect children in the classroom? This year, the students' math FSA will be entirely on the computer (as well as their math and reading DE tests). Students will have to understand how to take material from a computer, work it out on paper, and submit it online. Edmodo is a great tool for us to practice this. Additionally, in the years to come, reading, math and writing FSAs will be computer-based.

Take a look below at the infographic for a comprehensive look of The Flipped Classroom.

The following video also does a GREAT job at describing the process of The Flipped Classroom. (It's a short video :) )

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojiebVw8O0g

Lastly, if you are itching to know more about The Flipped Classroom, feel free to read my personal views on it below. This was an essay that I wrote for the Rookie Teacher of The Year contest for St. Johns County School District. Apparently they liked it. ;)

With the ever-growing usage of technology in our society, I find it pertinent that I teach my students how to use our available resources extensively on a day-to-day basis. I strive to find ways to implement technology as a tool when introducing a lesson, as well as when assessing a lesson. When I have a visitor in my classroom, they can almost always expect to see my students working productively by using technology.

When I was first hired as a teacher, I wanted to focus the use of technology on a subject that I really struggled with as a child: math. As a student, I remember being terrified at the mention of math and I was consistently placed in the lowest math groups which negatively affected my self-esteem as a student. The content taught by the teacher would make sense when I was in the classroom, but as soon as I came home to complete my homework, I couldn’t quite remember exactly how it was taught. I would ask my parents for help and would end up getting frustrated with them for trying to teach me a different way than the teacher had taught me. I would end up answering the problems incorrectly and getting in a habit of doing it the wrong way. Therefore, when I became a teacher, I vowed that I would find a way to teach my students math in the most painless way possible.

The most meaningful way that I do this is through the Flipped Classroom model. In a condensed description of the way I implement this, the flipped classroom entails that I (the teacher) make videos introducing the content of every skillset in math. The videos are typically 5-8 minutes and consist of me explaining the concept, working through problems, and then instructing the students to work through a few problems on their own. The students are always able to rewind, pause and rewatch the videos, which helps them not have to rely on remembering what the teacher said earlier that day when the content was introduced. Parents also gain insight as to how the concept is being taught to the students so that they can work with their child without frustration. My students work primarily with the apps Edmodo and Educreations for this method. This serves as a great way to integrate technology in and out of the classroom but it also gives me an even greater advantage in teaching my students: Differentiation.

As my students submit their homework online after school, I receive an email. From there, I log on to Edmodo on my computer/phone/iPad, and begin to check their homework. By doing this, my students gain instant feedback and I immediately gain insight as to who in my classroom understands the concept and who does not. From there, I am able to form accurate small groups for the next day based on how they answered their questions online. Therefore, my students are not consistently in a high or low group every day. It truly depends on their understanding of that particular skill.

The greatest advantage that I’ve found in structuring my math this way is that I am rarely concerned with fitting everything into my 60 minute math block. I can focus my math block on small groups and individualized instruction. I can also give my high-achieving students work that will enrich them, rather than bore them. I’m able to implement STEM projects almost on a weekly basis that involves students working in groups by using what they’ve learned in math.

It’s one of my greatest joys as a teacher to see my students understanding math and craving to learn more about it. To look at my class working during our math block, and seeing them not bewildered and exasperated, is a moment that I will never get tired of seeing.

If you've read this far, go ahead and pat yourself on the back. I truly hope that this has helped everyone gain insight into our Flipped Classroom. If you still have questions or concerns, please feel free to email me and I will be happy to discuss them via email or face-to-face conference.

Have a lovely day!

Maegan Dickinson