The Advantages of Using the Flipped Classroom Method

Previously, my blog posts have been about different teaching styles and techniques that can be incorporated into the classroom to enhance 21st century learning. This week, I want to focus on a whole new method of teaching, as my fellow classmates and I are using this method currently to teach a lesson with- the flipped classroom method. This is a fairly new teaching method and not many teachers in the public school system use it, but it does have its many benefits.

So, what exactly is the flipped classroom method? Basically, it is a method in which the traditional style of teaching (teaching the content in the classroom and giving the application part as homework) is flipped to where content teaching is done at home and applying the content (homework) is done in the classroom. This teaching method is only possible due to the advancement of technology, in which students can watch virtual videos at home of their teacher teaching the content. While this seems unusual and unpractical, with many people pointing out the weaknesses of this teaching style, there are actually many pros and positives that can come out of this teaching method that I would like to look at.

I found a great article that lists 10 reasons flipped classrooms could change education. (http://www.edtechmagazine.com/k12/article/2015/03/cosn-2015-10-reasons-flipped-classrooms-could-change-education). This article points out the many positives flipped teaching can have on both the teachers and the students and fully embraces technology in the classroom, reflecting on the model of a 21st century teacher. I am not going address every point but I do want to look at several important benefits that I did not think about before analyzing the flipped classroom method.

One benefit that I feel is very important to the students as well as the teachers is that the flipped classroom method individualizes learning. We all know that every student learns in different ways and at different paces. By allowing the learning to take place at home, students are able to re-watch the video if they'd like, take notes, draw pictures, pause the video at times; whatever works for them and fits their learning style.

Another benefit that reflects off of individualized learning is the maximization of class-time. Since the learning is done at home, there are so many more opportunities and activities to create in the classroom for the students, such as group discussions, enriching learning experiences, critical thinking activities etc. The students already know the content so there is more time and opportunities to apply to content- which is what is important in order to produce well-rounded and engaging students! This is essential for citizens living in the 21st century.

Teachers and students also get excited to use technology for teaching purposes and this allows both the teacher and student to be more engaged in the learning process. The use of technology is simply expected, as well, in our world and generation today, as the article points out: "For students, using technology in and out of the classroom isn't just fun, it's expected, says Fulton." This means that we must fully take advantage of technology in the classroom and use it to its maximum potential, which is why the flipped method is just one way in which we can expand this technology.

The flipped classroom method should not take over the traditional teaching method. Instead, it should accompany the traditional teaching method and both methods should be used to create an engaging, diverse, and well-rounded classroom setting. I will definitely be using some flipped classroom teaching in my classroom but will also focus on traditional teaching as well. As a 21st century meaningful and purposeful instructor, we must take advantage of all the different teaching methods out there and use a variety of methods to fully prepare our students for being citizens of the 21st century.
(This method reflects teaching standard 4.d)