What is a Flipped Classroom and Why Flip?

 In Learning Environment, Tips for Teachers

A flipped classroom is when what happens in the classroom and what happens at home are basically “flipped.”  Students listen to lectures, read lessons, and complete guided practice at home and then come into school ready to practice and review what they have learned with the teacher.  Homework becomes the lesson and review becomes the classwork.

Why Flip?

When students go home after experiencing new content in class, they don’t always completely understand. They may practice the concept incorrectly or be confused by the content while doing homework.  With a flipped classroom, the student is able to come into class with questions and concerns about what they learned the previous night.  Then, they have an entire period to practice the correct information with the guidance of their teacher.  The flipped classroom allows for more one-on-one time with students who really need the extra support. It also provides an opportunity for small group reteaching and individual, informal assessment.  Assessments can also be taken at home. Once brought back to class, the work is reviewed so students can learn from mistakes, rather than focusing on a grade.

What are the Benefits?

With the teacher’s guidance and feedback in class, students practice concepts and new skills. Students who have successfully mastered the previous night’s concept move on to a challenge, question, or project. Students who need more support and review can work with the teacher.  This allows for planned differentiated instruction and accelerated learning.

Resources for Teachers

When using the flipped model, a teacher can either purchase a pre-fab curriculum or can develop their own curriculum using web resources.  For example, YouTube provides great videos about any subject. TeacherTube provides content without ads and suggested video links, and is an option for learning directly from other teachers. On TeacherTube, teachers post videos of their lessons and also some great student videos that can help students connect to their learning.  Khan Academy and Coursera also provide videos that teach a variety of different concepts to supplement other content.

Want to learn more about flipped classrooms? Check out Teach & Learning and Knewton for more information.

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Special thanks to Serena Matarazo, Special Education Teacher, for contributing this post. If you are a teacher or school leader and would like to be a Guest Blogger at Who’s Engaged? email us at TeacherReady@StuderEducation.com.

 

Feature Image: Mind Shift

Image: edutopia

 

 

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