Recovering Content Provider
What can you do to be a better facilitator of learning and not simply a content provider?
Asking questions. Start by asking what the student already knows about the topic followed by what they learned watching the video (writing these down as they watch the video ensures they watched it) and then what they are fuzzy on.
I think there are many things an instructor can do to facilitate learning rather than being a content provider. I have not flipped my classroom per se, but I do manage to do many hands on elements of the course content. We work in the classroom to move towards a final project step by step encouraging critical thinking.
Being adequately prepared to discuss topics and preparing additional assignments ahead of time is very important to flipping the classroom.
To be a better facilitator the instructor must have a greater and deeper grasp of the subject. The lecture at the podium allows some instructors to hide their lack of knowledge.
To be a better "facilitator" one must engage students. Spark their interest, ask them questions, host class discussions, provide power points, and other creative ways to grab their attention. This generation of students thrives on that kind of interaction, thus making a more productive learning environment for them.
This quarter I've been held the students more accountable for their learning by requiring online assignments outside of class, allowing for more hands on time during F2F. I was very nervous in the beginning and worried that they would not do the assignments but it's gone great for the most part. I still have plenty to learn but have been trying new things that seem to be working well.
Bonnie,
We all have our thing that slows down our process in this. At least you understand what your thing is "mothering" your students. I will say that a little mothering is good as long as it doesn't interfere with the students learning or their willingness to take responsibility for their own learning
Dr. Moody Crews
Timothy,
Actually, I think you're right. Because you will be working closer with you students it will give you an opportunity to change that reputation.
Dr. Moody Crews
Diona,
Doesn't say much for content providers does it? I much prefer the facilitator role.
Dr. Moody Crews
It would take quite a shift of my part! I would want to observe professors who have implemented the flipped classroom and learn from them. I know that I tend to "mother" the students and provide too much assistance rather than challenging them to find the answers on their own and be the facilitator. It would be a challenge but well worth the effort for the good of the students to develop problem solving skills.
I feel that flipping one of my classes will help me to connect better with the students, and not just be a 'talking head' for them. I hope it will also allow me to lose the stigma of being 'intimidating'.
Content providers can know nothing about a subject and simply pass it along. A facilitator has to know and be somewhat of an expert on the information they are sharing. So the facilitator must have first hand knowledge of what they are sharing.
Vincent,
Excellent points. The word facilitation does seem to confuse people. I'm not sure why.
Dr. Moody Crews
To lead students to collaborate and teach each other.
Understanding just what Facilitation means. So many people fall back towards the "tell" (pour and snore) and move away from the "ask".
Angela,
Absolutely. If the student knows they will be expected to take an active role in the discussion and be required to explain the concepts to their fellow students, it will encourage reading and preparation.
Dr. Moody Crews
Arthur,
Agreed. Think about how you would make your subject fun and interesting.
Dr. Moody Crews
Sylinda,
If I'm understanding you, you're saying that it's our job as instructors to lead our students. I agree.
Dr. Moody Crews
Impressing upon my students the importance of the reading assignments in the syllabus. Letting students know that you don't want to talk at them but have a discussion and so they should be prepared to come in ready to answer questions and possibly lead a discussion or explain a concept to their classmates. I utilize this quite often as a massage therapy instructor, as I already know the information but I want them to have the opportunity to explain things as the comprehended them.
