Education is constantly looking for the proverbial magic bullet. One could look at this as a delusional quest, but I see it as a product of our nature as teachers to try to do the best we can for our students. We have diminishing resources, often overcrowded classrooms and an ever-changing set of standards to meet. Trying new innovations when the current methods fall short is a rational exercise. The “latest thing” in our attempt to achieve better results is the “flipped classroom.” In the article, Questions to Consider Before Flipping the authors weigh the pros and cons of adopting this latest trend based on several studies (Moran & Young, 2015).
Moran and Young’s article suggests that certain subjects, like Math and Science, are more conducive to a flipped model than subjects like Language Arts and Social Sciences (Moran & Young, 2015). While some aspects of Language Arts like the memorization of literary terms worked well in the flipped model, others such as, “dramatic performances, spoken poetry, literature circles, reading and writing workshops — would not be as appropriate for flipping and would still require an interactive and dynamic classroom approach” (Moran & Young, 2015, p. 3).
I appreciated that the article highlighted that the strategies to make a flipped classroom work involved more effort from the teachers in creating and administering the lessons. Anyone thinking that a flipped model made teaching easier should think again. To make a flipped classroom more effective than simply assigning reading from a book, the teacher must make greater efforts to engage the students through technology.
The article suggested using a program called educanon.com (which is now playposit.com) to enhance video lessons. Playposit allows a teacher to interject questions to make sure students are actually comprehending what they are watching through a series of interactive quizzes. Students may not continue without answering the questions. Results can be monitored and collected by the teacher. I signed up for an account and plan on using it if I were to ever try a flipped model for a lesson.
Another suggestion the article gives teachers is to vary their lessons. It suggests that flipping occasionally is a more effective use of this model than simply flipping exclusively.
In conclusion, the article says we should not “flip out” completely. If teachers do consider flipping they should also commit to the extra time and effort to make this latest trend a lasting tool.
Moran, C. M., & Young, C. A. (2015). Questions to consider before flipping. Phi Delta Kappan, 97(2), 42-46. doi:10.1177/0031721715610090 Retrieved from http://pdk.sagepub.com/content/97/2/42.abstract
I agree that there is a misconception that flipped learning is going to reduce the need for actual teachers. Like you said, I believe that this really isn't the case, teachers are going to need to be even more engaged in the classroom to keep up with student's needs and abilities. Technology is important in helping teachers keep up with the high demand of information and curriculum guidance. Student's are able to access more information which creates a more inclusive curriculum. Your blog encouraged me to think about how occasional flipping could be more beneficial that exclusive flipping. Teachers really do need to take more time and effort to use this style of teaching.
ReplyDeleteI think there are many misconceptions regarding flipped classrooms so thank you for emphasizing "that the strategies to make a flipped classroom work involved more effort from the teachers in creating and administering the lessons." It is especially crucial for teachers to be aware of this if they want to effectively implement a flipped classroom. With this information, teachers will understand the amount of time they must dedicate to preparation of quality video lessons and quality in-class assistance and facilitation. I had not heard of playposit.com, and think it is a great way to help ensure students are absorbing the material presented in video lessons. I'm looking forward to checking out playposit.com to see what exactly it offers!
ReplyDeleteI must say I strongly agree with you on the view that we as teachers must incorporate digital tools like using videos and various forms of technology that help to meet the needs of our students. I think I agree that we should not fully flip the classroom, but instead incorporate a variety of teaching,lectures, and activities that students are both involved in and out of the classroom. In a sense like a hybrid. Great job
ReplyDeleteI must say I strongly agree with you on the view that we as teachers must incorporate digital tools like using videos and various forms of technology that help to meet the needs of our students. I think I agree that we should not fully flip the classroom, but instead incorporate a variety of teaching,lectures, and activities that students are both involved in and out of the classroom. In a sense like a hybrid. Great job
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