Sunday, January 29, 2012

5 Reasons Why Flipped Instruction Is More Than Video!

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1. Video is only one type of content.

Video is just one of many tools available to teachers who want to flip their instruction.

2. Flipping is about engaging students with 21st century learning tools.

Teachers could present content online using Prezis, Google Presentations, audio podcasts, and other tools.

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3. Flipping is about increasing students' responsibility for their learning.

When students own their learning experiences, they seem to be more likely to understand and add information to their long-term memory.

4. Flipping is about leading students through rigorous and relevant learning experiences.

Flipped instruction creates more class time for activities. Teachers should fill this time with activities that are hands-on, project-based, inquiry-based, and career-oriented.

5. An expectation of making videos for all topics during the first year of flipping may be unrealistic in some cases.

I don't have the expectation that I will be a master at flipped instruction in year 1. Making instructional videos has given me a better idea of how I can make better instructional videos in the future. Also, making instructional videos must be balanced with planning engaging classroom activities.

Working as an individual teacher flipping instruction is possible, but educators may want to consider collaborating with other teachers in creating content. While I agree that the a teacher creating content for their students is ideal, giving students access to multiple experts benefits students of all teachers involved.

Bottom Line - Flipped instruction should be more about what students are able to do and less about what method of online instruction the teacher chooses.

Friday, January 13, 2012

Building a Better Science Teacher

 
This academic year marks my 5th year in the teaching profession. I am thinking more about what I want students to know and do as a result of my teaching. While I am guided by state and national standards, I also have ideas about what skills I want students to develop in my courses:

- technical writing


- making and interpreting tables and graphs


- presenting lab data and science content in multiple formats


- thinking/inquiry skills


- reading and vocabulary proficiency


- content knowledge

This semester I will design activities to balance content and skills development. This is consistent with efforts to flip my classroom and incorporate standards-based grading practices. While my students do hands-on activities and experiments on a regular basis, I want to be more deliberate about what I want my students to learn from these activities.


One way I can more deliberately incorporate process skills is having all of my students compete in the Google Science Fair. My intent is to break down their projects into small assignments they can complete before the submission deadline, April 1st.

First, I want them to develop their own research questions. I want them to understand that they can apply the scientific method to many subject areas.

I am hoping that participating in the Google Science Fair will get my students excited about science and help improve their Science understanding and skill set.

Monday, January 2, 2012

Tweet of the Day!

Friday, December 30, 2011

"Apps for Professional Development"

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