The
articles I read discussed how the flipped classroom, also known as flipped
learning, is an interesting curriculum modifier that is being highly praised.
The basic concept behind flipped learning is that teachers create lessons for students
to work on at home, and spend class time working on group driven assignments—
i.e., homework in the classroom. Work in the class is carefully guided by the
teacher who tries to get students to learn from each other while he or she
browses the classroom and helps groups connect their ideas. There are a variety
of thoughts that teachers have come up with regarding the model, but there
seems to be a consensus that technology plays and important role in the success
of flipped learning. Customizable lessons are available all over the web, and
many rely on the use of online access to multimedia, such as videos posted on YouTube.
So is
flipped learning a great idea, or a flawed notion? Teachers certainly need to
evaluate their class before they consider implementing a flipped classroom.
Because technology is of great importance to flipped learning, a problem can
arise when not every student has reliable or consistent access to the internet
through a computer or smart devise. Secondly, teachers also need to asses if
their class is capable/willing to do work at home and come prepared for class.
If a student does not view the lesson at home, then the flipped classroom model
collapses on itself. On the positive side, Teachers can certainly spend
additional time with students who are having trouble grasping the material. In
this respect, teachers may also have a perspective that allows them to more
accurately gauge how well their class is doing. I think that the flipped
classroom is certainly a viable option, but it requires a teacher who is
dedicated to making it work, and a classroom of students who is willing to work
with it.
Works Consulted
Bergmann, J., & Sams, A. (2014, May). Flipped Learning.
Learning and Leading, 20-23.
Bull, G.,
Ferster, B., & Kjellstrom, W. (2014, February). Inventing the Flipped
Classroom. Learning and Leading, 10-11.
