Wednesday, February 05, 2014

Pros and Cons of the Flipped Classroom

The Pros and Cons of the Flipped Classroom
Possible benefits of the flipped classroom:
    Students can take ownership of their learning.
    Teachers can create or select educationally entertaining videos to capture student attention, instead of having students absorb through textbooks and homework problems.
    The classroom becomes a student centered learning environment, rather than teacher directed a content driven.
    Students receive instant feedback in class as they are problem solving.
   Students are not as frustrated because they can ask questions immediately and work through confusion.
   Teachers can revisit concepts that trip-up students and reform the pace of the lesson plan based on feedback.
   Students do not have to rely on parents, tutors or potentially inaccurate internet sources to work through tough problems.
   Teachers can provide options to students with different learning styles and offer more one-on-one time.
   Students who are absent or miss class due to school activities have access to the content delivery outside of the classroom.
   Administrators, colleagues and parents have access to the content being delivered in your classroom.
   More time to allow for student involvement in Project Based Learning, Inquiry Based Learning, Gamification and Simulations.
   Development of Critical Thinking, Communication and Collaborative skill sets through increased interaction between students and teachers in the classroom.  

Possible draw-backs of the flipped classroom

    Not all students have access to at-home technology.
    Not all teachers are tech savvy enough to master the flipped classroom model, and schools may need to adopt additional hiring criteria for new teachers.
    The method relies on students watching the videos and potentially fails if they do not.
    Teachers may be at a loss as what to do with in-class time.  Teachers are more reliant on student feedback and questions to drive daily interaction.
      With the emphasis on out of class lessons, some ask why we need teachers, and insist the flipped classroom too closely resembles a hands-off online learning environment.
    Educators need time to develop online content and create a student centered learning environment, through Inquiry and Project Based Learning methods. 



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