Physical Science is "Flipped" at Belle Plaine

Starting this semester at Belle Plaine the students in Physical Science will be experiencing a Flipped Classroom.  For those not familiar with this term, a Flipped Classroom is a form of blended learning in which students learn new content online by watching video lectures, usually at home, and what used to be homework (assigned problems) is now done in class with teachers offering more personalized guidance and interaction with students, instead of lecturing.  In Flipped teaching, the student’s first study the topic by themselves, typically using video lessons prepared by the teacher.  Students will be able to access the videos on any internet based electronic device including their phones.  Students who may not have these tools available to them will be allowed to view lessons at school using a computer in study hall or by checking out an I-pad.  In class students apply the knowledge by solving problems and doing practical work.  The teacher tutors the students when they become stuck, rather than imparting the initial lesson in person.  Flipped classrooms free class time for hands-on work. Students learn by doing and asking questions. Students can also help each other, a process that benefits both the advanced and less advanced students.

Physical Science teacher Ricky Kremer researched the method for much of the first semester and felt this method of instruction would allow him to more effectively meet the individual needs of his students.  His video lessons will be approximately 10-15 minutes in length and students will be required to take notes on the information initially to help with monitoring students understanding of the information.  The Flipped concept does not mean that students will never have traditional homework but a majority of the work will be completed in class with the teacher present to provide guidance and support.  One of the main resources Mr. Kremer used was, Flip Your Classroom, Reach Every Student In Every Class Every Day, by Jonathon Bergmann and Aaron Sams.

It’s exciting to see teachers incorporating new methods of teaching and I’m anxious to see how the students respond and how learning is influenced through the use of the Flipped method of teaching.  Periodic updates on this will follow in future Blog postings.