Flipped Classroom

There is no doubt that the classroom with sit-and-get format accompanied with pencils and paper is dying.  Virtual learning is rising to take its place.  Reports on the actual effectiveness of strictly online learning are mixed and vary depending upon the supporter of the research. However, the hybrid form of combining face-to-face support and the internet, appears to show students are moving forward.  


So how does one make their classroom a hybrid. One method is called the flipped classroom model. This model has students mastering material on their own utilizing instructional videos, paired with teacher supported tasks in class. The tasks are what most know as "homework," activities designed to enhance and enrich the content being taught. The fully flipped classroom is not always the easiest to do but once a teacher has created a course, he/she merely makes minor edits or adjustments year-to-year or as needed.  There are really many ways to flip a classroom, though Graham Johnson in his video, describes what a flipped classroom is not.

So why do the flipped classroom, especially if its going to be a lot of work up front? Phi Delta

Kappan published an article in October 2012 about 10 reasons to flip a classroom:

1. Students move at their own pace.
   
2. Doing "homework" in class gives teachers better insight into student difficulties and learning styles.
3. Teachers can customize and update curriculum, and provide it to students 24/7.
4. Students have access to multiple teachers' expertise.
5. Teachers flip professional development by watching each other's videos and learning from each other.
6. Classroom time can be used more effectively and creatively.
7. Parents have a window into the coursework.
8. Student achievement is increasing, so is interest and engagement in higher-level math.
9. Learning theory supports the new approaches.
10. The use of technology is flexible and appropriate for 21st-century learning.

The final point, number 11, on their top 10 is that students enjoy it.  

Students, once taught how to manage time, seek information on their own, and to self-start will enjoy the flipped classroom.  This is not an easy transition for many students. Phi Delta Kappan point out that students can find more successes in mastering the material as they do not have to ask that "embarrassing" question and they can watch a lesson as many times as they wish in order to master the content. Also, if the material presented by their own teacher is just not making sense they have the resources of the internet and other flipped teachers to pull from.

Below is a video by Andrew Steinman which shows a brief how-to on the flipped classroom model. It explains not only what to do but what technology is available to make a flipped classroom  possible. 

When all is said and done, just remember the basics - put your content online, support your students' practice in the classroom, and have fun with it!
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References
Fulton, K. P. (2012, October). 10 reasons to flip. Phi Delta Kapan, 34(2), 20-24. Retrieved June 4, 2013.
Johnson, G. (2012). The flipped classroom is not. [Online video]. Retrieved June 4, 2013, from YouTube.
Phi Delta Kappan [magazine cover art]. (2013). Retrieved June 4, 2013.
Steinman, A. (2012). Introduction to flipped classroom model [Online video]. Retrieved June 4, 2013, from YouTube.