Marcia,
I agree. How we provide this flexibility is different for every instructor.
Dr. Moody Crews
Properly trained instructors, to me, is the most important component of a "Flipped Classroom Model". With out first obtaining this level, how are you going to obtain the rest of the basic components? A befuddled and unsure instructor will only create a befuddled and confused classroom.
I believe the most important component in the flipped classroom is professional development. For me just thinking about restructuring my classes to a flipped model is exciting and overwhelming. I would need time to prepare and research. Further education on all the different technologies would be helpful or at least the ones my employer would want me to use. I feel the instructor being prepared, educated and then willing to assess how the class is going is the most important things.
Sylinda,
I agree. Face to face interactions make things much clearer and the extra step can be provided and understood. For some students it takes face to face interactions.
Kanidrus
Donald,
The face to face classroom component is vital because any misunderstandings can be cleared up. Students feel confident in themselves when they feel that they have connected to what is being taught to them. Students enjoy collaborating with other peers when they still have guidance from the instructor.
The face-to-face component is so important in the flipped classroom model. It is the opportunity to have students perform various activities, exercises and projects in the class lecture time, rather than allowing them to complete these tasks for homework. By doing these activities during F2F, students work with their peers and instructor.
I think the most important component is the collaborative learning. I think having the students work together and learn from each other will serve them well in their professional lives. I would like to help the students realize how important it is to work together as members of a team. My students have also been reluctant to work on critical thinking skills. As allied health professionals, they will need these skills on the job. I would like to use more class time on developing these skills.
I feel like the flexible/blended learning environment is of great importance. No two students as well as no two classes are alike.
So if there is flexiblity in the learning environment then the instructor can tailor the learning of the material to best meet the learning needs of the students/class. Some students/classes may need more F2F time whereas others function better if they discover concepts on their own with instructor guidance; like working through a case study or project.
Carrie,
I agree. The instructor must stay current in their field and in their teaching.
Dr. Moody Crews
David,
You are correct. However, if this is the way your class is facilitated, the student will have to take advantage of it. Most students will realize that their learning is at the heart of your decision to use the flipped classroom model.
Dr. Moody Crews
The flipped classroom model provides opportunities to restructure the learning environment to promote problem solving. However, this can only work if the instructor remains current with their professional development to remain field experts and all stakeholders must have the ability to use the technologies needed to succeed in the flipped classroom. The f2f time must also be planned to promote the blended learning environment. For the flipped classroom to be successful all components of the model need to work together.
What has really stood out to me is the availability of studying the material before the material is presented. I feel this can be very effective, but I have found out that this is effective only if the "student" wants to take advantage of it.
Donald,
You are correct that the face to face component is very important and without it the flipped classroom would not work. I'm always interested in how participants respond to what's most important because none of the components would really work without the others. I love hearing the different responses.
Dr. Moody Crews
Earle,
Agreed. Think about how you would "properly structure" your classroom to enhance that learning.
Dr. Moody Crews
Jeffery,
I agree. I think it's a cool way to go as well. :)
Dr. Moody Crews
Daniel,
I agree. Think about why you think this is important and what you consider professional development. Think about how you would do this.
Dr. Moody Crews
Neil,
Agreed. This is the responsibility of the student. However, this is new to many, if not most, students so it is our responsibility as instructors to help students understand the importance of this self guided learning component.
Dr. Moody Crews
Cynthia,
Agreed. If the instructor doesn't have a good grasp on the flipped classroom experience, it will not be successful. I see this as an ethical issue.
Dr. Moody Crews
Richard,
True. Think about how you would facilitate that hands on learning.
Dr. Moody Crews
Austin,
You are correct that the professionally developed instructor is a necessity for a successful flipped classroom experience.
Dr. Moody Crews
