Planning for flipped learning in your classroom is a little bit different from planning for traditional classrooms.
You must understand the key structures/concepts of a flipped classroom.
What is a flipped classroom? First, let’s look at a definition of Flipped Learning.
Jon Bergmann believes that the most useful and enlightening definition of Flipped Learning is as follows: “Flipped Learning is a pedagogical approach in which direct instruction moves from the group space to the individual space and the resulting group space is transformed into a dynamic interactive learning environment where the educator guides students as they apply concepts and creatively engage in the subject matter.”
So for Bergmann, a flipped classroom has at its core the concept of:
- Group space
- Individual space.
Both are crucial to running a sound flipped classroom.
The group space for a student is typically the classroom working with other students and the teacher. The individual space is the student working by themselves typically, but not always, at home. Be clear, the individual space can be in a variety of locations, but it is characterised by the student working alone.
Traditional Classroom
In the group space of a traditional classroom, direct instruction (a lecture to the whole group) is followed by a few activities to cement learning. In the individual space of a traditional classroom, homework is set which usually involves more complex activities involving application, analysis, evaluation and creativity. Students complete this homework alone at home without the help of a teacher, but because of the often complex nature of the homework, they may need assistance. Where is the teacher when they are truly needed?
Note that in a traditional classroom the group space happens first where new content is introduced usually via the lecture and the individual space happens second.
Flipped Classroom
In a flipped classroom it is the other way round. The individual space comes first and the group space second. In the individual space, the student is introduced to new content which usually takes the form of a micro video. They are doing this by themselves with some sort of device without much need of any help. When they come to class, that is when they meet in the group space the next day, they get to ask their questions, apply, analyse, evaluate and create and be generally involved in a whole lot of active learning, with the teacher available to guide them – as it should be!
You may be interested in a certification program that Jon Bergmann is running. Find out more and preview some free training samples @ http://flglobal.org/getcertified/ – Course costs start at US $70.00.