Journal 3: Upside Down & Inside Out: Flip Your Classroom to Improve Student Learning

This article pertains to NETS-T 1: "Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity"

Fulton, K. (2012). Upside Down and Inside Out: Flip Your Classroom to Improve Student Learning. Learning and leading with technology, 39(8), 12-14. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Upside_Down_and_Inside_Out.aspx

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Summary:  In the article, "Upside Down and Inside Out: Flip Your Classroom to Improve Student Learning," author Kathleen Fulton discusses a new "fad" in education called 'the flipped classroom'. According to the article, the idea to transition from the traditional classroom to new digitally instructional design was pioneered by teachers in the science field Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams at Woodland Park High School (CO).  The "flipped" part of the flipped classroom is essentially structured so that students watch or listen to lessons at home and do their "homework" in class."  Now the flipped classroom has a conference, several websites, and a Professional Learning Network of more than 3,000 teachers.  The article primarily discusses this new instructional design through the story of the most "enthusiatic advocates"--- the math teachers at Minnesosta's Byron High School (BHS). In the article it states that students who are currently or will partake in this new concept in education are extremely connected to technology as part of the curriculum, whether it be through Ipads, laptops, and smartphones.  The Calculus teacher at BHS, Troy Faulkner, utilizes his class time by going over important problems from the previous night's video lesson on the electronic white board, gives his students time to work on them, and then holds a class discussion.  Faulkner will move from student to student, "watching, listening, noting students who need help," when he breaks them off to work on their own, or in groups.  This allows students to work at their own pace and 'in their own style'.  Daily spot quizzes (completed with clickers), are given in order for teachers and students to get immediate results.  The feedback allows for group discussion and peer instruction on the problems which teachers (and colleagues) can use to revise their lesson plans/curriculum in a timely fashion. Personally, I believe that this educational innovation is moving in same direction that the school systems are heading toward in the future.  Due to the realities we face in education today like budget cuts and a rapidly growing digital age, I believe that the traditional classroom will slowly become obsolete and a 'flipped classroom' or homeschooling will take its place.  Some other transformations may also include the role of the teacher---transformation from sage on the stage to guide on the side as well as a shift in the classroom from competitiveness to cooperation, which can be observed by the students helping, teaching, and motivating their peers.  The collaborative environment is extremely emphasized in the 'flipped classroom'.
Q1: How will teachers of a 'flipped classroom' keep their students focused, motivated, and on task since this educational model requires a great deal of student independence/proactiveness and at home learning?
A1: In the article it states, "BHS educators are the first to admit that one size does not fit all, with the flipped teaching or any instructional approach" however, I believe that there are ways to increase a student's motivation and ability to stay on task.  One example would be the use of daily spot quizzes that can be given in order for students to complete their homework and assignments in preparation for the assessment.  Another component that I believe would encourage students to keep up with their school work is the emphasis on a collaborative environment (in the flipped classroom).  A collaborative environment calls for peer discussions and peer instruction.  I think that when students are given the opportunity to work with and help teach their peers, the intimidation and fear that may arise from the students' interaction with the sage on the stage in now replaced by collaboration with their peers who are in the same boat.  Peer motivation is an effective way to motivate students to do well.Q2: Do you believe that the emphasis of technology in classroom will negatively or positively affect our society?
    

A2: I have always thought that the rapid growth of technology on our society isn't always for the better.  Today, children grow up with a video game controller, iPod, iPad, etc. glued to their hand.  They don't pass time exploring and playing (physical exercise) in their neighborhoods after school or socializing with their peers (face to face) as much as earlier generations. Some believe that this has contributed to the instant gratification mentality of today's youth as well as their inability to reason.  However, while this may be true in certain aspects, I also believe that innovations like the iPad can contribute significantly to intellectual growth.   Technological devices are full of moving pictures, sound, animation, 3-D images---they are much more dynamic than what student’s learned from in the past, like a sketch of the universe done by Copernicus in a book . Now we have the ability to see places we’ve never been to before (via the Internet) or have access to infinite amounts of resources, tools, and applications (through various types of media/technology) that add greatly to our library of knowledge. Technological devices are full of moving pictures, sound, animation, 3-D images---they are much more dynamic than what student’s learned from in the past, i.e. a 2D sketch of the universe done by Copernicus in a book . Now we have the ability to see places we’ve never been to before (via the Internet) or have access to infinite amounts of resources, tools, and applications (through various types of media/technology) that add greatly to our library of knowledge.