Flipped Classrooms

     A flipped classroom is a teaching method that flips traditional homework and teaching time. Instead of spending class time focusing on lectures, students are introduced to materials outside of the classroom. Students are given homework that consists of introductions to topics through short videos and readings, which in turn gives more class time being hands-on through talking, interacting, doing, and applying ideas during student centered learning tasks. 

    Flipped classrooms focus on knowledge construction, they are student-centered rather than being teacher-centered. There is more teacher-student dialogue (teacher asks a question, student replies with an answer), homework is viewed as preparation rather than practice. Classwork revolves around ideas and topics the students were introduced to at home rather than being introduced to the topics in class. There is more student-teacher interaction than traditional classrooms, and there is more group work as a form of learning and applying lessons. 

    Some key concepts of the flipped classroom approach, it is based on the social constructivist theory of learning. The social constructivist theory of learning was developed by Soviet psychologist Lev Vygotsky, the view that learning occurs through social interaction and the help of others, often in a group. Flipped classrooms focus learning using critical thinking skills, talking amongst our peers, and creating discussions and hands-on concepts during lessons. 

    There is also the flipped mastery approach where the teachers are the ones to prepare homework. Such as lectures, videos, and reading materials for students to take home instead of focusing on these materials in the classroom. This approach gives the students more room to complete these lessons at their own pace. They have the capability to move on once they feel they understand the material being provided. Class time is not dedicated to working with students who need additional support, and allowing other students to continuing progressing without having an entire class focus on one subject for too long. 

    The text "Transform Learning Through Technology" page 4 states, Digital tools are a powerful force in the classroom and offer the potential to shift from traditional teaching approaches." Upon conducting further research on some of the most effective teaching strategies and researching the flipped classroom method, https://helpfulprofessor.com/flipped-classroom/ I was able to learn how much technology can benefit students and teachers not only in the classroom, but outside of the classroom as well.