The idea of the flipped classroom is amazing. I would love for students to become more actively engaged in their own learning. We as teachers always try our best to create the most effective learning community, and I believe the effective flipped classroom does just that. I love the idea of students learning the basic concepts at home and then coming to school to apply those concepts. I can see how it saves time. I especially like the idea of including so much technology for the students to use for learning. It was a little overwhelming, at first, realizing just how much technological tools are available. Technology allows so much more opportunities for students to broaden their horizons and open their eyes to what limitless knowledge is available to them.
I do have some concerns with the flipped classroom as well, though. My number one concern is the student actually doing the work at home. It is hard enough getting the students to read assignments at home on their own. If the student does not take the initiative, how will the flipped classroom work effectively for them? What do you do with the student(s) who did not learn the basic concepts at home? They will come to class unprepared to apply the knowledge they never gained. Another concern/fear is the thought of running around the classroom trying to help everyone effectively. I know that if I have my students working on projects or assignments in class, it can get somewhat hectic running around trying to answer questions and explain things with dozens of hands in the air.
It sounds like the flipped classroom is one that will have to be practiced one lesson or unit at a time until it is mastered by the teacher applying it. Students will need to be ready to take learning in their own hands since this is a new concept they might not yet be accustomed. They will have to learn to become accustomed to it just as much as the teacher will if the teacher decides to use it in their classroom.
I agree with you! Maybe, as a teacher, just try the flipped classroom for one lesson and see how it goes. Before doing so, you would have to make sure that everyone has access to the internet. Helping everyone also seems very daunting. You would definitely need some classroom management skills and some rules that the students would have to follow in order to be available to all. The flipped classroom seems like a wonderful, but difficult/scary endeavor.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you! You would have to trust that your students are going to go home and watch and interact with the lesson to even be able to join in with your lesson the next day. I know that for my students in fifth grade it is like pulling teeth to even get them to write their home work for that night down, much less do it. I feel like in order to be able to do a flipped classroom you have to have the faith in your students and let them know your expectations on the front end. I love the concept of a flipped classroom I just know it would not work for my little ones.
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