The Daily Riff - BE SMARTER. ABOUT EDUCATION.

The idea of the flipped class started with lecture and direct instruction being done at home
via video and/or audio, and what was once considered homework is done in class. So, the order of the "lecture" and "homework" components of the class are, well -- flipped. 

Now, it is becoming much more than that. 

The main reason, maybe the only reason, to flip a class is to provide more class time for learning and that is the major shift that we are seeing as the flip gains popularity across
content areas.  Other than that, a good flipped class should be like any other in which
good teaching and effective learning take place.  Flipping the class is not the end-all
solution to finding the "best use" of class time, but it does allow for varied forms of
instruction. And after all, doesn't anything that results in more in-class learning a move
in the right direction?

A lot of flipped class discussions focus on moving away from a traditional lecture format. 
While some lessons lend themselves better to a lecture format, others will be more
appropriate as a flipped lesson.  The classroom environment and learning culture play
a large role in determining the best pedagogical strategy.  This decision-making is a
vital part of providing a constructive learning environment for students.

Switching from a traditional classroom to a flipped classroom can be daunting because
there are a lack of effective models.  So, what should an effective flipped classroom
look like?  In our experience, effective flipped classrooms share many of
these characteristics:

• Discussions are led by the students where outside content is brought in and expanded. 
• These discussions typically reach higher orders of critical thinking.
• Collaborative work is fluid with students shifting between various simultaneous discussions depending on their needs and interests.
• Content is given context as it relates to real-world scenarios.
• Students challenge one another during class on content.
• Student-led tutoring and collaborative learning forms spontaneously. 
  
• Students take ownership of the material and use their knowledge to lead one another without prompting from the teacher.
• Students ask exploratory questions and have the freedom to delve beyond core curriculum.
• Students are actively engaged in problem solving and critical thinking that reaches beyond the traditional scope of the course.
• Students are transforming from passive listeners to active learners.

The flipped class is not for everyone, but it offers the best way we know of to maximize
in-class learning opportunities. If an individual learner or group of learners needs something akin to lecture, that can be done.  Small group discussions?  No problem.  Plenty of time
for interaction with the teacher?  You bet.

The best way to understand how the method works is to see it in action.  If you are interested
in the Flipped Classroom, you are not alone...find and begin building a support network at
The Flipped Class Network.   Look at the network resources, connect with other professionals, or even visit a class and see what the buzz is about.  Chances are the flip will be coming
soon to a school near you, if it hasn't already.

Brian Bennett is a second year teacher that just finished his first year of flipping with no intentions of going back to a traditional class.  His focus is on using the flipped model to build collaborative classes that integrate technology to foster the growth of 21st century learners.  Brian has spoken on the Flipped Class at conferences in the United States, South Korea, and Malaysia.

Jason Kern is the Director of Technology at The Oakridge School in Arlington, TX. Jason has been an educator for 14 years.  He is the curator of TEDxYouth@Metroplex, a Google Certified Teacher, and a Powerful Learning Practice Fellow. Jason went back into the classroom this year to help implement a flipped Economics class to seniors. He has also trained Middle School science and math teachers to begin to flip their classrooms.

April Gudenrath is an English teacher at Discovery Canyon High School in Colorado Springs, Co.  April started her career in the IT industry training for Wal-Mart, Oracle, and Microsoft. She then left the technology field to follow her dream to be a high school English teacher.  Currently she teaches 9-12 in both the International Baccaularet Middle Years and Diploma Years Programme and has created blended classes across grade levels.  In addition, she teaches the IB epistomology class Theory of Knowledge, which she has also blended, and is an IB assessor in that area.

Philip McIntosh is a Learner-in-Chief for mathematics and science at Challenger Middle School in Colorado Springs, CO. He is entering his 9th year as an educator and he went all in on the flipped model and mastery learning in his 7th grade pre-algebra and algebra classes in 2010.

Originally published by The Daily Riff June 23, 2011
 

Related posts The Daily Riff:

Part 1 - "The Flipped Class:  Myth vs. Reality" by Jon Bergmann, Jerry Overmyer and Brett Wilie

Part 2 - "Are You Ready to Flip?" by Dan Spencer, Deb Wolf and Aaron Sams

How the Flipped Classroom is Radically Transforming Learning by Jon Bergmann

Teachers Doing the Flip to Help Students Become Learners

Private School Math Teacher Flips Learning  by Stacey Roshan