Before the pandemic, online and blended learning was a notion that many teachers had heard about, but I'm willing to bet that most had little to no experience utilizing it within their classrooms. However, that all changed when schools shifted online in the spring, and an instant, educators everywhere had been exposed to a new way of teaching. While in our current situation, not all educators are using the online model (at least for now anyway), I do believe that as a result of our experience in the spring, there has been an increase in the number of teachers who are utilizing the blended learning model within their daily instruction. At the start of this week's class, we were tasked with coming up with our definition of blended learning. As we reviewed each group's responses after the breakouts, it was clear that most of us had a good understanding of the concept of blended learning - which I believe is indicative of the experiences that many teachers have had since we started up again in the fall. Looking around my building, I have witnessed many teachers embracing blended learning (in many its forms) as they feel it is an easier transition to full-blown online learning (if we go down that road again). For me, blended learning has been something that I've used for the majority of my career through my Grade 8 math class, as I teach this content in a flipped environment. What is a Flipped Classroom?This is a question that I spend some time explaining to parents at the beginning of each school year, as the term "Flipped Classroom" generally leaves most parents scratching their heads in confusion. While my definition of this term may differ from other educators utilizing this method, it can be explained as a method of instruction that involves students learning the lesson content at home through short videos prepared by their teacher and then applying their knowledge in the classroom the next day. Essentially, students are completing the homework at school and the learning at home, which essentially "flips" how learning works in a traditional classroom - hence the name "Flipped Learning". Here is a video that I typically show my students and their parents when I am explaining this concept: How Does it Work Within my Classroom?As we discussed in class, flipped learning is a broad concept that is not a one size fits all approach to education. While the general framework for this method typically stays consistent, how it is utilized will differ depending on the teacher and students to which it is being applied. Within my classroom, I have created a website that serves as the home base for my flipped classroom. In addition to all the video lessons, I also list all assignments and resources that students may need as they navigate through my math classroom.
At School: Student-Centred Learning Environment
Challenges/OpportunitiesChallenges:
Opportunities:
While I've only listed a few of the benefits of moving to a flipped environment, I certainly have more positive comments about this type of teaching! I am very passionate about flipped teaching and my students and I have experienced a lot of success with it over the last eight years. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions for me - or suggestions for how I can make the experience even better for my students. Thank you for reading!
-Matt
3 Comments
I see a few similarities in the way that we have flipped our classrooms. I also structure my assignments A, B & C for self-leveling and differentiation. I do like how you include other links to similar videos, that's something that I want to try out in my room as well. I do like how you include videos for your parents/guardians about what FLIPPED means and the purpose of doing it. I love the idea of a website, as currently I have all my stuff together on Google Classroom. I also see the same challenges and opportunities. Thanks for sharing! It was a great read!
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This is a great outline of how to do a flipped classroom. I love how you seem to easily incorporate differentiated instruction in your math class. You bring up many great points about the benefits of EAL students, I wonder if something like EdPuzzle would further benefit your assessment piece. Could something like Socrative or EdPuzzle be done at home to create more one-on-one time with your students targeting students that need your assistance? Thanks for the read Matt.
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Gerod Wiens
1/25/2021 01:08:27 pm
Hey Matt, thank for the great read. I have limited knowledge and experience in flipped classrooms and appreciate you sharing your knowledge. This year we have split our students into A and B days with students getting front loaded on the days they are in class and then completing their homework at home. We have struggled with a lot of students who don't complete homework, students who have a difficult time learning, and completing assignments on their own. I think the flipped classroom would allow students to watch the information/lessons at home and then come to school and get the help they need to complete their assignments and assessments. I would be interested to see if would have more success and student engagement this year.
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