Flipped Classrooms

1.      Title of Article: The Flipped Class: Myths vs. Reality

2.     Link to Article: http://www.thedailyriff.com/articles/the-flipped-class-conversation-689.php

As I read through this article, I found a lot of interesting facts which made me understand the true meaning of a flipped classroom. I heard of the term flipped classroom before, but I did not know what it was supposed to look like. One thing that I discovered when reading this article was that the traditional definition of a flipped class is: “Where videos take the place of direct instruction. This then allows students to get individual time in class to work with their teacher on key learning activities. It is called the flipped class because what used to be classwork (the "lecture" is done at home via teacher-created videos and what used to be homework (assigned problems) is now done in class.” I liked that this article gave me the definition of a flipped classroom because it gave me a better understanding of what is expected for students. Another thing that I discovered was that a flipped classroom is not “students working without structure, spending the entire class staring at a computer screen, or working in isolation.” I am happy that I  discovered that statement because I can focus on making sure students work together and I work with students throughout the whole class. A third thing that I discovered was “a classroom is where the teacher is not the ‘sage on the stage’, but the ‘guide on the side’.” I like that I read this line because it helps me make sure that I am guiding the students through the lesson. Students need guidance and I will be there to give it to them.

I also found two interesting facts in the article. One was that a flipped classroom is not going to replace the teacher. The teacher is there to help the students with information, but the students take control of their learning. I think that the flipped classroom is a great way for students to learn difficult subjects, such as math and science. The second interesting fact is that a classroom where students who are absent due to illness or extra-curricular activities don't get left behind. I like the idea of having a flipped classroom for the students who miss a class. I have been absent for some classes in elementary and high school and I know how hard it is to catch up on homework, school work, etc. Having a flipped classroom is a great way to include students who are not in class, keep up with their work.

One question that I still have is: how are teachers able to keep control of the class if they are in groups and the teacher is not sure if the students are focused on their work? One of my main concerns of a flipped classroom is students getting off topic and I would not be able to gain their attention back. I want to make sure that each student has a great learning experience and each of the students gets individual attention from me if they need help in a subject area. I worry that a flipped classroom might get out of hand, especially because I am in elementary education, because the students might talk about what happened on a TV show rather than an assignment. I also worry that the students will not watch the videos assigned to them, which will later result in off topic conversions. I will have to practice the idea of a flipped classroom because I do like the idea of it. I am sure with practice, I will be able to perfect the technique.