Have you been "flipped" yet?

Teachers flip for 'flipped learning' class model

Much has been said about "flipping" the classroom in recent months.  USA Today posted an article on Sunday, January 27, 2013 about this strategy teachers use in high schools and even some elementary schools.  The expectation is a student is responsible for his learning, and then the classroom activities provide a deeper understanding of the lesson.  Cynthia Desrochers, director of the Center for Excellence in Learning and Teaching at California State University-Northridge states, "Students can get the easy stuff on their own, but the hard stuff should be under the watchful eye of a teacher." 

Students say that they are active during class time and that their grades have improved.  The administration says they have had fewer discipline problems and parent complaints have dropped too.  They have also seen test scores increase.  

Certainly, giving students more responsibility for their learning is always a good thing.  This strategy is very "student" centered.  However, it does change the classroom landscape for the teacher.  As teachers design their lessons, they ask, "What do I want my students to learn and how will I know if they have learned it?"  Being next to the students as they dig deeper into the skill/discussion provides the teacher with an immediate answer.

I have heard rumblings of teachers here at Prep experimenting with "flipped learning."  How are our guys receiving this instruction?  What have the teachers done to make sure students have access to this information even if they don't have internet access at home?  If all teachers implement this strategy, will students get bored with it?

In this technology rich culture, I love seeing lessons enhanced by technology.  Allowing students "anywhere, anytime" learning caters to the strengths of a student.  At the end of the day, teachers want to move students from A to B.  "Flipping a classroom" might help keep the learning going.

Promises to keep....

So, I decided to join the blogging world. A simple question, "Have you started blogging?" got me going - a challenge I suppose!

In my head, I have started and stopped this conversation a million times. My inner self is asking, "Who are you that you should be writing these thoughts down? What makes you so special?"

Actually, I am writing this because I know that clarity comes for me with the written word. When it is in black and white, it is real and can be dealt with. I can see the issue, react and solve the problem (OK, on a really, really good day this happens).

Besides, what better way to have a conversation with yourself than in writing? You can pose the question, answer yourself in the comments, and pretend that no one is looking. It sure beats talking to yourself in the bathroom mirror and hope that no one in the family hears you!!!

So, I am making promises to myself and everyone in my life.  I will deal with me - that is a 50 year old working mother with a blended family. We have kids at all different stages of their lives and with that all different issues that complicate these lives. I will be honest - but protective of those I love and to them, I promise that this is a selfish indulgence that they may ignore. It may be the only way for this middle aged woman to transition to the next phase of her life.

As for the professional side of this woman, I promise also to be honest and protective regarding my colleagues and our students.  Stories, yes I will share a few; most will make you giggle, and maybe a few will touch your heart.  High school boys will surprise you when you least expect it.

Finally, I promise to spend time with my spiritual side; although neglected at times, I have found that when I pay attention and notice, everything else falls into place!