The Flipped Classroom
I have chosen to research and
respond to articles and opinions about the flipped classroom. This is a relatively new idea in education
and an idea that I was very curious to find more about. I would like to find out how other elementary
teachers have found success in using this method in their classrooms. In addition, I wanted to find evidence that
supported this model in an elementary classroom.
Does a flipped classroom effect
student achievement? My feeling is that
by using the flipped classroom model, this would improve student
achievement. I think that if I
implemented this model in my classroom, I would have more interaction with my
students, they would have more time to collaborate and I could provide them
with more assistance with the concepts being taught. One article that I read supported the fact
that the flipped classroom does indeed positively affect student achievement.
It outlines results before the flipped classroom and after the flipped
classroom. The results were as follows:
before the flipped classroom more than 50% of all freshmen English students and
44% of Math students failed their classes, whereas after the flip, these
numbers decreased to 19% for English and 13% for Math (Knewton, 2011). This definitely demonstrates that a flipped
classroom has affected student achievement for the better. This article also states that the discipline
cases also decreased from 736 to 249. This
article supports the flipped classroom model and has provided evidence as
well. My next reading states that there
is no scientific research that indicates exactly how well a flipped classroom
works (Goodwin & Miller, 2013).
However, that there has been some nonscientific data that suggests some
benefits to the flipped classroom. This
article makes it very clear that although there is no real scientific evidence
to support a flipped classroom model, there is reason to believe that the
flipped classroom model does enhance student learning if this model is
implemented thoughtfully and carefully according to what research deems as good
instruction (Goodwin & Miller, 2013).
Are there any successes found in
an elementary classroom? In one blog
that I reviewed, the writer found a flipped classroom successful in the area of
mathematics for an elementary classroom (Wordpress, 2011). This teacher implemented this model for a
fifth grade fractions unit and although they said that they based their success
on a quick assessment, I found the advice that this educator gave for those
wanting to try this model with their class very useful. This educator stated that for this to be successful
in an elementary classroom teachers would have to:
-
model their expectations in the classroom
-have
an alternate plan for those students without computer access at home
-make
sure that their goal is clear
-start
with some already made videos
-start
with only one unit at first, research flipped classrooms
-try
making a few of your own videos once you get the hang of it
There are many benefits of the
flipped classroom for both students and teachers. I thought that this chart summarized these
benefits well.
However, I think it is also
important to consider the disadvantages to the flipped classroom. In an article
that I read, there were several cons outlined.
Some of these cons were some students have limited access to digital
devices and the internet, teachers rely on trusting students to view lessons
for homework, there is an added workload for the teacher and students are
spending a lot more time in front of a computer watching lessons instead of interacting
with people (some argue that this can cause serious problems to a student’s
learning process) (Acedo, 2013). As an
educator, you would have to weigh the pros and cons and decide what would suit
the needs of your students. I personally
feel that the benefits far outweigh the cons listed in this article. As well, I feel that these cons can easily be
solved. For example, It is easy for
teachers to make available internet access before and after school or provide suggestions
of areas in the city where students can access the lessons on the
internet. In addition, teachers can set
up their lessons so that they can see who has viewed them (teachers would then
be aware of who may be unprepared the next day). As well, I think that if
teachers begin implementing a flipped classroom in small amounts, the workload
would not be overwhelming. Lastly, I
feel that the flipped classroom allows for more one on one time with the
teacher and with classmates and I don’t think that the flipped classroom
impedes the interacting that occurs in the classroom.
Here is an example of student reactions to
the flipped classroom. I feel this video
has a powerful message. By implementing
a flipped classroom, students see the benefits of collaboration with each other
and with their teacher.
In conclusion, I do feel that
there is evidence and many benefits to a flipped classroom model in
elementary. An educator needs to be
aware of the needs of each student and plan accordingly. I think that some of the keys to success are
to begin small, model for the students, make your expectations very clear and
allow for collaboration (student and student, as well as teacher to student).
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