In previous years, I exclusivly used flipped learning in Physical and Biological Science. It is undetermined if I will be using this method for General Science and Health. I am currently working on a blended version of this. See below for information on Flipped Learning, because so many of our teachers use this method. Currently, I am working on implementing a morphed version of traditional style and flipped for students who miss a lot of class. This button is the link to my Youtube page. It's a good idea to subscribe to it while you're in my class, because this is where the videos are. Please read below to understand exactly how we will be working this year as a flipped classroom and options to you. If you do not have internet at home or you can't watch youtube on your phone, don't stress - there are many options we can discuss.
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Why it's great:
Technology has boomed and we are now teaching a generation that knows personal technology better than most adults. To keep up with ever-changing needs, I have designed a classroom environment that includes technology, but teaches students to embrace "old-school" methods of face-to-face communication and problem solving. High school science is challenging - freshmen and parents/guardians will experience rigorous expectations that come with being in high school, and junior year is EOC tested. EOC comprises 20% of your 4th quarter grade. With a flipped classroom, students have more time with me to do their work and ask questions. It also leaves more time in class for skill-building activities and fun learning experiences! Not every student learns at the lecture pace; with flipped learning, they can pause and rewind the lecture as much as they want! If they still have questions, they can write them down as they go and I can answer them via email or in class.
How my flipped classroom works:
When people my age and older went to school, we were never graded for taking notes and we were not graded for listening to our teacher talk. Because this class is "flipped," students do everything we use to do at home during their class day. And, what you and I did in class, your student now does at home. Please help remind your student they are in charge of their learning process after school, just like we were, and it is a great time to tailor it specifically to each student's needs.
Homework is now:
1) Video lectures of 5-15 minutes in length. Each student is given a note packet that has all the notes typed out. Some key words/phrases are missing and students fill in those words/phrases. Students will be able to use these notes for almost all of their quizzes. Extra copies will not be given out.
2) Independent study has not gone away. 15-30 minutes daily should be spent going over science topics.
3) Other work: If a student misses even one day of class, we did something, and he/she will have extra work at home for the evening. All work we do during the class hour can be completed during the hour. If a student does not stay on task during the hour, he/she will have to complete it at home; the work is due before the next class day. Some students, like myself, need extra time. Extra time will be done during home hours.
4) I normally don't assign standard homework, because we do all of this in class. I want to know my students are comprehending what is needed. Growth doesn't stop in the classroom environment, though. Students are expected to continue to study on their own to be successful by making/studying notes, making flash cards, using a flash card app, quiz themselves, watch flip videos, or utilize other methods like Khan Academy (www.khanacademy.org).
Ways to access the videos:
YouTube is the easiest way to access my videos. I posted a link to my YouTube channel, and you can also find it here. Computers at school: Before and after school day.
Computer at home, but no internet access: DVDs can be checked out of the library.