Flipping the Paradigm
In a traditional classroom, the teacher stands in front of the class and lectures, provides examples and answers questions. Students are taking notes to make sure they have all of the examples from the lesson, then they are to complete a worksheet or assignment that evening. When the students are taking notes, they might not hear some of the important concepts or information because they are writing to make sure they have all the notes to use for their homework. But then when they are doing their homework that night, they might not understand what the notes mean or why certain steps were done when solving a problem because they didn‟t hear some of the important information.
In a Flipped Classroom, the model is reversed. Students have the lectures on video to rewind and review. The videos may be mine or others I've curated to enhance their education. The Flipped Model is not always videos at home. Any activity, paper or tech-y, can be considered "flipped" as long as it gets the students thinking at a deeper level about the content. I want students to bring in questions or ask for clarification during class. Class activities may be full class discussion, small group discussion, or peer reviews in order to deepen their knowledge of the objective.
Resources & Technology
Students can access the videos on the internet using most devices that can connect to the internet. If students don‟t have access to the internet at home, they can watch the videos before or after school in the media center. Other arrangements can be made if there is not internet access at home. Students should also have "earbuds‟ or headphones when watching the videos at school, so as not to disturb other students. All of the video lessons can be accessed by going to the class website and clicking AP Euro Resources and selecting Duncan's Videos on Youtube. (See link above) Please scroll to find the appropriate unit. Students will also being using an online program called EdPuzzle which allows me to add audio, comments, and questions to videos on the internet.
Students can access the videos on the internet using most devices that can connect to the internet. If students don‟t have access to the internet at home, they can watch the videos before or after school in the media center. Other arrangements can be made if there is not internet access at home. Students should also have "earbuds‟ or headphones when watching the videos at school, so as not to disturb other students. All of the video lessons can be accessed by going to the class website and clicking AP Euro Resources and selecting Duncan's Videos on Youtube. (See link above) Please scroll to find the appropriate unit. Students will also being using an online program called EdPuzzle which allows me to add audio, comments, and questions to videos on the internet.
Benefits to the Flipped Classroom
- It promotes a student-centered environment where students take charge of their learning and can get their individual needs met. Struggling students can pause and rewind the video as often as they need, while advanced students can move through the material at a faster rate and tackle some more complex material. During class, students are then able to receive help one-on-one from the teacher, from peers, or in a group.
- There is less student frustration as they can write down specific questions about concepts they do not understand and get them answered by the teacher and peers.
- There is more support for students as they no longer have to struggle with understanding the material on their own at home. Now they can discuss and analyze the concepts with their peers and/or one-on-one with their teacher.
- Parents can view the lesson and learn along with their child, empowering them to help their child as they can now see exactly what and how their child is taught.
- Absent students can view lessons at home and will not fall behind.
- It ensures that students actually understand what they are learning. There will be unit exams along the way, and students must show that they have mastered the material by scoring an 70% or above on these exams. If not, they must review the videos and do their corrections or retest to demonstrate mastery. Retakes are available after Remediation!
Expectations-For Students, the Teacher, and Parents
- Students: Students are in charge of their learning. The students are responsible for watching the lesson before they come to class, taking notes of the video lesson, and coming to class prepared. If the student has not watched the video prior to class time, they will then watch the video during class. The disadvantage to this is that the student then misses out on participating in the class activities and may fall behind. There will be no excuses. In class, students are expected to participate and contribute to class discussions, hands-on activities, or projects.
- Parents: Parents are needed to make sure students are being mature, responsible learners and are doing their part by watching the video. This is the second year for implementation so I expect some bumps along the way. Students may be new to the process and need extra support from parents on staying current with the material and time management. Please email me if any major concerns arise.
- Teachers: Teachers will deliver instruction, most of the time, through video lessons. In class, they will be available to answer students‟ questions, give immediate feedback, clarify misconceptions, guide students through their understanding of concepts, and push them to dive deeper into the material. In class activities will be readings, projects, socratic seminar discussions, and presentations.
What if My Student Does Not Understand the Concepts?
If your child does not understand something in the video and requests your help, there are a number of things you can do:
- Have your student review the video at a slower pace.
- Watch the video with your child and offer assistance.
- Have your student pair up with a study buddy from class
- Have your child consult the textbook or find another teacher‟s video lesson on the internet of the concept. Khan Academy and John Green Crash Course videos are just a few that I recommend.
- Attend Friday lunch tutoring in Ms. Duncan's room - to begin Mid-September and will be conducted by former AP Euro Students scoring a 4 or 5 on the exam.
- Encourage your child to communicate with the teacher. I have office hours twice a week.
- Interesting Article on How to Become Familiar with the Technology Used by Your Student in the Classroom