Flipped classroom - A backwards classroom
During the last years an alternative teaching method has been introduced within the classes mainly as a solution to
the strict class timetables. Although, most of the teachers are willing to apply
innovative teaching methods and techniques, such as the problem-based learning,
differentiated instruction and assessment, the immediate feedback, it seems
that the size of a class hour is in most of the cases prohibitive for these
kind of initiatives.
The " flipped classroom" came as a solution to this time management problem. The
traditional structure of a class hour indicates at first place a teacher’s
lecture and then students are given homework based on the lecture. According to
the flipped classroom lecture is becoming the homework! A teacher can use any
type of technology such as videos he made himself using screencast, you tube videos, blogs, open
educational resources, and interactive educational games in order to present
his lecture and students can watch it at their home at their own pace. Then the
classroom is basically becoming a field of interaction with students. Students
can apply their knowledge in exercises guided from the teacher who is now a
tutor for them. All the questions and problems that could be emerged from an
e-lecture can be discussed within the classroom using additional tools, team
projects and immediate feedback. The core of learning, meaning team work and
interaction with the teacher, more learning activities applied to the new
information, immediate feedback along with teacher’s guidance have now more
time to be applied and a class hour can be more productive (Bergmann & Sams, 2011)
The special feature of the flipped
classroom is that it is actually a form of blended learning. Technology and
educational technology is being used while the valuable role of teacher-tutor
is enhanced. Furthermore, educational technology can be used in different ways.
Only simple tools such as videos could be enough but also more complicated such
as open educational resources, and educational platforms depending on the
available school facilities or the children’s access to them. Moreover,
students at the same time are being introduced in the world of technology and educational
technology not as a different field of study but as an actual tool of learning and
experimenting (Hertz, 2012)
Of course important issues should be on
the table when it comes to technology and learning process, such as students’
accessibility to the needed tools. A teacher should keep them in mind and
adjust his teaching method. However, it seems that in the case of the "flipped
classroom" we can see technology even in its simplest form in the service of
education.
references/sources links:
Bergmann, J., & Sams, A. (2011) How the Flipped Classroom is Radically Transforming Learning. The Daily Riff. Retrieved on 5/11/2012 from: http://www.thedailyriff.com/articles/how-the-flipped-classroom-is-radically-transforming-learning-536.php
Hertz, M., B. (2012) The Flipped Classroom: Pro and Con. Edutopia. Retrieved on 5/11/2012 from: http://www.edutopia.org/blog/flipped-classroom-pro-and-con-mary-beth-hertz
http://www.knewton.com/flipped-classroom/
http://www.techsmith.com/flipped-classroom.html
Though not developed specifically for children with learning disabilities, the flip concept may be ideal for children who struggle to pay attention during classroom instruction and thereby find it difficult to complete their homework on their own. The digital lessons allow the student to receive instruction in an environment without the distractions of a busy classroom. The videos can be rewound and replayed as often as the student requires in order to absorb the material. Then, after the student has watched the lecture at home, the application of newly learned concepts takes place in the classroom where the teacher can assess the student’s understanding and provide support. Additionally, students who have mastered the lesson can provide peer support to those who may require assistance.
ReplyDeleteThe flipped classroom is designed to better engage students in lessons and to provide a more supportive learning environment. It could reduce the need to pull students out of the classroom for individualized instruction, a practice commonly employed for children with learning disabilities. The concept also has the potential to reduce anxiety that results from homework based on lectures which the student was unable to focus on during class.
You can see also:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAN7HJdzE3U
Some form of classroom flipping is a great idea that seems to have a lot of positive aspects.
ReplyDeleteIt seems it would be easier to differentiate the classroom while doing activities than during a lecture. I like that one subject or topic is taught from several angles; audio, visual and tactile, which addresses different learning styles.
It is also great that students can watch the videos at their own pace and even look up further explanations on the internet for things they don't understand. Alternatively it opens the door for more parental involvement as parents can watch the video too, see what the child is learning and help with explanations. For children who are absent, they won't miss out on the lesson either.
I like that the teacher is no longer the centre of attention in the classroom but there for assistance and support. Students learn by doing and asking questions, which is more engaging and invokes a sense of personal responsibility for their learning. Also if there are usually behavioural issues in the class the teacher is much more available to address them as students work in groups and s/he circulates among them.
However the flip side of the flipping is that lectures need to be under 20 min so students don't get lost in long lectures with no help (if there are no parents or older siblings to help). Plus if they have to do homework on top of it, it can be time consuming and children also need to relax and do extracurricular activities. The following article offers many interesting view points to consider in implementing the flipped classroom that should really be taken into consideration before this method gets a green go ahead.
One such comment brings up the fact that if all or several classes are flipped, it could add a good few hours to the school day once the child gets home and create fights over computer use if the student does not have his own personal computer or technology device.
Read comments at
http://www.deseretnews.com/article/765616415/Flipped-classrooms-Turning-learning-upside-down.html?pg=all
I think there are still some kinks to be worked out in this method but it is still a very interesting idea.