The term "flipped classroom" basically refers to the
idea of integrating more technology in the classroom. Generally, when this
method of teaching is in practice, the teacher would record/post a short video
online and have the students watch it prior to class the following day (it
becomes their homework). Then, the next day in class instead of spending time
lecturing on the topic at hand, the time in class is spend discussing what the
students saw and learned in small groups, working on projects, or individual
exercises. According to the article Flipped Classroom: 7 Things You Need To Know, "The notion of a flipped classroom draws on
such concepts as active learning, student engagement, hybrid course design, and
course pod casting."
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Supports of this concept
say that flipped classrooms allow for more one-on-one time with the teacher,
students are able to learn at their own pace; it levels the playing field, etc.
However, I think I fall more on the critics side. Some critics of this idea say
that it requires more 'screen time' meaning that children are spending even
more time staring at a screen. Critics also say that practicing this method is
a one- sided teaching method because it heavily relies on dialect, and
questions the idea that it really levels the playing field among students.
The article Flipped Classrooms: 7 Things You Need to Know, offers a list of things one must consider when
partaking in this method. Of these seven things, I think the most important
thing to know is the significance, downside of this method, direction it is
heading, and the implications of this method. First, let us look at the
significance behind this method. Supports of this idea say that it allows the
teacher to spend more one-on-one time with the student therefore they are able
to determine any errors of understanding/thinking and can correct it. Hum... Is
that actually the case? I guess in order for us to truly find the students
error in thinking, we have to trust that the student actually spent time watching
the video/clip that was posted. Next, let us look at the some of the downfalls
to this method. Aside from the fact that we are assuming all students have the
ability to connect to the internet to watch the videos, this method has a great
potential to become very time consuming as it requires a well thought out plan.
Moving on to the future of this idea, the article states that new technologies
are being introduced. It would be important for individuals practicing this
method to stay up to date on these new types of technology and use them in the
best way possible. Finally, the article states that this style of learning puts
more responsibility on the students to learn the topic at hand. Again, I
wonder, how are those students who do not have the means to watch the online
videos going to succeed? How can we hold them to the same standard as our other
students when it's simply just not fair?
As far as using this
method in my classroom, I guess it all depends on when, where, and what I am
teaching. Personally, I see this method working best for the older grades (6
and up), but even then I am still a fan of spending the time in class to
discuss the topic at hand. I am a strong believer of the multiple
intelligences, and believe that we need to strive to meet as many learning
types as possible and posting a video online for our students to watch is only
meeting one type. Showing videos is definitely a helpful tool, but I do not
think that it should be the soul source of providing information.
Julia,
ReplyDeleteI am on the same page with you on this one. From the description of what a “flipped classroom” is. I wouldn’t necessarily say “flipped classrooms” all together “levels the playing field” for [all] students. Might-a-fact, flipped classrooms discriminates against students coming from lower SES families who’s parents can’t afford to purchase up-to-date electronic equipment along with the internet so their children can take advantage and listen to their teacher lecture notes reviewing them over and over or until they fully comprehend the concept and are ready to move on to master the next subject area(s).
For students who parents could easily afford to purchase latest up-to-date electronic equipment - along with internet - capable of processing/uploading information on computer without locking-up not allowing students to even access the instructor lectures could be a issue too. Overall, I think the “flipped classrooms” has some useful implications that can be useful and I may even use it in my classroom depending on situation. Good post Julia.
I think your awareness of multiple learning styles is very important, because not all students learn the same way. I'm not sure I agree that flipped classrooms can only meet certain learning styles. Watching videos is only really engaging to visual and auditory learners, it's true, but there are all sorts of online resources that can be used to engage a variety of different learning styles in preparing for in class activities.
ReplyDeleteAs far as leveling the playing field, I think that the perception that classroom flipping creates more inequity than other techniques isn't entirely accurate. Internet access has become more and more prevalent, and while not all students will have resources they can use at home, between the ever-expanding reach of smart devices, the rising number of schools providing their students with netbooks or tablets, and the general accessibility of public computers at school or in public libraries, the playing field doesn't really seem any more uneven in this domain than it is in any other when some students can afford tutors and resources that give them advantages. In my opinion, this is simply the same issues inherent to any work done outside of the classroom updated for the modern era. I agree that there's going to be a struggle to maintain equity, but I feel that this struggle is nothing new; it's the same difficulty that's been a part of the public education system in this country since its inception.