What is a flipped class?
Simply put, a flipped class is when instead of note taking, lectures and direct instruction in class, you are introduced new material at home through videos. Then, instead of working on difficult homework and harder problems at home, you use class time with the instructor and other students to complete it. The reason this makes sense is that, often, in math classes the hardest material is done at home when you are away from the instructor - by yourself. Traditionally, the easy part - like copy notes - is done in class. It makes sense to FLIP the philosophy and take notes on new material, make notes on things you do not understand, bring that all to class with the instructor and complete the material most difficult to understand with the instructor and other students.
Consider the list of benefits to the flipped classroom:
What things do I need to do to be successful in the flipped class?
Consider the list of benefits to the flipped classroom:
- You can skip note taking on material you already understand
- You can review parts of lessons over and over until you really "get it"
- Your budget your time specifically for your needs
- You have more time in class to get your homework done and answer specific questions
- You have time in class to discuss with other students common questions (Plenty of brain research agrees that Peer to Peer learning is one of the best for long term retention)
- You have more time for one on one conversations with your instructor about the hardest material. Students would often need to get tutors or use the resource center for help.
- All lectures for the entire semester are kept online and can be reviewed whenever you need it - meaning you can work ahead OR review as needed. Your learning is differentiated specifically FOR YOU!
What things do I need to do to be successful in the flipped class?
- Watch the videos at home and take notes on new material you do not understand
- Pause the videos as you watch to help you reflect and understand
- Make a note of things you do not understand after reflecting and reviewing the videos
- Bring your questions from the online videos to class
- Keep up with the pace of the class
- Because my class meets one night per week, you will need to so some of the homework outside of class to keep it fresh in your head
The conclusion
The flipped classroom is a great way to help you save time by focusing on the material most difficult to understand at the pace that is best for you. It is vital that you view the lessons before class.
Please be aware that you will probably still need to do some homework outside of class. Because we meet one night per week there is a large amount of work that has to be done with just one face to face class with the instructor. I suggest that as you do homework, you complete the questions you can do quickly and skip the ones that take you longer. Bring the more difficult questions to class and we can have deeper conversations on that material, hopefully leading to your success and long term understanding.
Please be aware that you will probably still need to do some homework outside of class. Because we meet one night per week there is a large amount of work that has to be done with just one face to face class with the instructor. I suggest that as you do homework, you complete the questions you can do quickly and skip the ones that take you longer. Bring the more difficult questions to class and we can have deeper conversations on that material, hopefully leading to your success and long term understanding.
