So I know I keep posting about the “flipped” classroom model (already blogged about it here and here), but when something this transformational hits education, it bears repeating. I know what you’re thinking… This is just the latest instructional fad, destined to be forgotten a few years from now until the next one comes along. I’m normally just as skeptical when it comes to new trends in education, but this time it’s different. How so? Well, how about the fact that the students you teach now are different…more so than at any other point in your career. Sure, they have the same growing pains, insecurities, curiosities, hopes, and dreams that kids have had since since the first public school house opened, but these kids now…they’re digital natives. They love screens, learning from videos as well as people, and contributing to the flow of information on the Web. And aside from all that, the flipped model just makes sense from a pedagogical standpoint. But don’t take my word for it. Those in the Polson math department who have tried it so far have had great things to say about it.
Plus the fact that 60 Minutes dedicated part of Sunday night’s episode to the flipped classroom model and its godfather, Sal Khan, tells me two things: 1) this is something we all need to pay attention to, and 2) Bill Gates endorsements sure are helpful. The fact that The Khan Academy‘s YouTube channel has over 45 million views so far is also noteworthy. But is this the future of education? As much as I think the flipped model can be a great instructional tool for certain learning concepts, there is plenty to be skeptical about from the 60 Minutes segment below. Like the way Khan’s mission is now expanding to the point where kids walk into a classroom, log into a laptop to pick up where they each left off on the last lesson, and start quietly hammering away at the keyboard while their teacher circulates. Really? This strikes me as kind of sad, and I’m not alone in feeling this way.
But I’m more interested in what you think. See what you may have missed below, and let us know.
THis is soooooooooo very exciting. We need to put some of our focus into the elementary buildings as well. Our grade 3 and 4 students would be able to participate in this model. Also, educationg parents will be the ingredient that makes this a successful model.
Here is some more info on the topic according the the ASCD.
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/flipped-classroom-best-practices-andrew-miller
Totally love the fact that companies are creating software that meets the needs of both teachers and students. I can’t wait to utilize this software with my students. My Favorite quote was “What is the hardest part of learning? There is no hard part!” HELLO… I see a Light bulb going off around the world. Jump on board this is the new wave of education. And the fact that this now will allow for us to collect and analyze data better from the modules used! CAN’T WAIT!
I don’t see the flipped classroom as replacing the teacher..I see it as a supplemental. For me, it is just another tool in my toolbox to reach the diverse needs of my learners.
Leonard, I totally agree. And our teachers ARE developing the skills to supplement the classroom environment with some amazing tech-based resources. Check out the videos some of your colleagues are creating and posting to their websites. Some in your math department over there are making it so that kids can get the lecture at home or re-watch the SMART board lesson they got in class that day when they sit down to work on complex equations. Powerful stuff.
And you’re right about the current standardized testing model…totally broken and made worse by NCLB. I was just discussing with a colleague how we really need some kind of portfolio assessment that demonstrates meaningful student learning and progress toward learning targets that include problem-solving, research, and critical thinking skills…the stuff you cannot assess with multiple choice and short form, one-shot essays.
Beth, I hear your concerns, but anyone who uses that segment to justify eliminating teaching positions just wasn’t paying attention. I have some issues with the software program as well…I think they’re overreaching here. I see instructional videos as a great teaching tool that can deliver lessons on new concepts or be used for review for students that need to have the concept explained more than once or at a slower pace. I don’t see them as what drives the curriculum…that’s still the teachers job, as far as I’m concerned. And, yes, that part did feel like a sales pitch to me too, but Khan Academy is a non-profit, so…
As for the small population of students that don’t watch the videos for homework, I know that some urban school districts that have implemented the flipped model are doing their part to eliminate this by making school computers available to students outside of the school day. For the students that simply refuse to watch the lesson for homework, then yes, they would have to watch it in class (hopefully on their own mobile device or in the media center), and they should have a consequence for not doing their homework, similar to what happens now with pencil and paper homework. But don’t you think students would find a 10-15 minute video plus a brief response to be much more engaging than traditional homework assignments?
Personally, I would like to see the classroom “extended” as opposed to “flipped” via technology. The present education system has done a phenomenal job of sucking all of the personality out of a teacher’s classroom. Our entire infrastructure hinges on the model of standardized testing. It defines every single element of a school’s environment, either directly or indirectly. As a result, we have changed our classroom models/school environments to accomodate the demands of testing. What Khan does very well, apparently, is supplement instruction in a consumable format that students can benefit from. However, who is REALLY teaching all of these millions of students? Khan. Not the teacher. He can argue the claim of “teacher as collaborator” all he wants, what it really boils down to though is “teacher as facilitator”. And that, precisely, is what we are presently doing in the model of standardized testing. And that, as if I need to tell you, does not work.
However, if the TEACHER could develop the same skills to supplement the classroom environment utilizing technology to deliver authentic resources, the positive results of a Khan, I argue, could be similar. What is preserved is the teacher’s experience with his/her class and vice versa. Personal connection is so essential in the classroom. I doubt millions of kids can claim that they share a connection with a Khan. I’m also scared of a single educational entity–a Facebookesque website/group that is responsible for educating our kids. We need variety. We need personality.
I watched the report on Sunday night, and found many of the ideas exciting, interesting, and also a bit troublesome.
In order for this model to be successful, students have to be responsible to do the work outside of the classroom; what do the teachers do if kids come to class having not watched the lesson? Do they use class time for the lesson, thus negating the “flipped’ concept? The briefly addressed this in the piece, but how do you handle the small section of the population that does not have access to the required technology?
Is the software something districts have to purchase? Was this a big sales pitch for his program?
Teachers are under attack from many sides, and some who view only parts of this piece could use it to justify eliminating teaching positions and having kids work solely with computers. The teacher in the piece does a good job explaining her valuable role in the success of the program, but I see this as more fuel for those who want to cut budgets and eliminate teachers.
Definitely exciting and worth exploring (it may have helped me enjoy and understand 9th grade algebra better) but I am not completely sold.
This is exciting!
Dawn,
Getting the data on student progress would involve using that new Khan Academy pilot software. This is actually the part I’m pretty skeptical about and where I think Khan may be getting ahead of himself. The idea of kids working on the videos and lessons in class while the teacher circulates and checks progress on her screen seems weird to me. While I like the use of videos at home where it’s appropriate, I guess I’m old-fashioned when it comes to teachers assessing student progress. And if a lesson is flipped, then the teacher has more time to assess students’ progress during class and wouldn’t need software to help her do so.
I saw the segment and found it very exciting. I liked how they were able to get data from the students. That would be very useful for me. Mike, do you think we can set that up?
I have been using Khan Academy for about a year and a half. I have the kids practice with it and then answer their questions, It is not suitable for all kids but they do seem to enjoy and find it helpful. My son is a junior in high school and it has helped him with pre calc and physics.
D