There's folklore out there that says any reasonably plausible new approach will work for a while. That said, the flipped classroom model validates stuff I've always wanted validated. More one-to-one, not just F2F from the lectern down.
Robert,
Again I agree. It really is about student learning.
Dr. Moody Crews
Frank,
I agree that working for an agency that has that much control would be difficult. I understand that the agency has control over the content and hours of instruction; however, surely they don't control delivery of that content. The hours of instruction should not be reduced simply because you are delivering the material in a different way.
Dr. Moody Crews
I believe it is not a fad and if introduced properly it can be a very valuable asset to the education process.
I think there are components of this style that have been around for longer than a few years and are very effective. Like most things, the quality of the content, the quality of the instructor and the available resources will greatly determine the outcome of any strategy.
No I do not believe the flipped classroom will be a fix for learning in the classroom nor is just a fad.I think it will help tremendously with the generation Y students that want to look at a screen to learn instead of reading from a book.
Time will be the judge on this question. It isn't only the instructor but also the student that will need a certain amount to professional training to have the discipline to advance to a level of responsibility that will insure his or her home work is completed. There are also questions of the ability of students to obtain material that would allow the passing of courses with out obtaining the required knowledge to pass testing. There are some pit falls being observed that will take time to develop fixes. But the basic idea may work once it is tuned to and educators needs.
I believe that if it truly enhances student engagement and learning, that it will last. If not, innovative way to transmit information may be interesting at first, but may fade with time.
I believe that there are greater opportunities to use the flipped classroom where structure and rigid syllabus are not an issue. I teach in a environment that is structured by a government agency and our content and hours of instruction are mandated and controlled. It would be a difficult issue to revise formats that have been the norm for decades without the help of that agency.
Jeff,
I don't know if it's a total "fix" but I do understand what you're saying. It is unfortunate that so many teachers are still resisting the use of the wonderful technology tools available to them and their students.
Dr. Moody Crews
Erica,
I agree. Your point of the program being properly implemented is very important. A partial program will generate partial success.
Dr. Moody Crews
I believe it is a fix. Of course I have a bias toward this as my background is in technology. I also teach as a facilitator and not a sage on the stage. The flipped classroom makes perfect sense. Why waste time doing things in class that could be done at home. I think of the old school science teacher from years ago saying in a monotone voice, "OK class, were going to watch a filmstrip." With today's technology this can be done at home and the class can be used for discussion and more time in labs.
If approached correctly, I think it can change the learning environment, especially for the non-traditional learners. Again, it will need to be priorly implemented for maximum buy-in, and I think it is just what is needed in many instructional settings.
Angela,
True. So let's think about what we can do about this in our classrooms as teachers.
Dr. Moody Crews
Ken,
Actually, I do. I agree fully with your statements but I think the flipped classroom is moving in the direction that most students and teaching will buy into. Now, that being said, there will always be new ideas and new ways of doing things so I'm sure this method will be revised as it develops.
Dr. Moody Crews
Steve,
I agree. Why not use what our students are using anyway. You are also correct that motivation is an issue. I believe this goes far beyond the educational system and deep into the mindset of society. Of course, we have to determine how to combat this attitude to help our students learn.
Dr. Moody Crews
Hannah,
I'm sure that is true. Would you mind sharing the content you are referring to.
Dr. Moody Crews
Markia,
True. We don't want to make them so dependent on technology that they can't do the work without it.
Dr. Moody Crews
Angel,
Wouldn't it be nice if education actually lead the way and others followed suit?
Dr. Moody Crews
Shara,
Agreed. I wish there was something that solves every learning problem.
Dr. Moody Crews
