A first-hand look inside a flipped classroom



Photo: Meris Stansbury

"There have been many school reform trends over the past few years: student response systems, video games for math, mobile phones for learning—but none have completely transformed the notion of learning like the flipped classroom." writes Meris Stansbury, Online Editor.

Photo: http://flipped-learning.com/

Flipped learning, in essence, turns the idea of traditional classroom instruction on its head by asking students to watch videos of teacher lectures for homework, then apply the lesson with the teacher in the classroom.

Using this method, proponents say, teachers have the opportunity to help students learn as individuals, and students can learn concepts more quickly.

Yet, since its takeoff, skeptics have questioned whether students have the time management skills to watch the videos at home and whether in-class work really does affect student achievement. Some have even questioned whether students and parents like the new approach, and if flipped learning is just a fad.

To help peers and skeptics better understand the concept of flipped learning, Jon Bergmann and Aaron Sams, high school science teachers and pioneers in the Flipped Class ideology, created a first-of-its kind flipped classroom “open house” on Jan. 30, which invited other educators to see how flipped learning works and what students have to say about it. The event took place in two countries, 20 states, and more than 30 cities and towns.

In addition to these open houses, Bergmann and Sams are holding a “Flipped Conference” June 19-20 at the Joseph Sears School in Illinois.
For more details, or to contact Bergmann, click here.
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Related link
Personal blog/website of Jon Bergmann

Source: eSchool News