The only class I have tried flipping with is my class of honors kids. How will this work with on-level students?
Next year, I plan on trying some lessons with my group of Math 8 students. I think I need to start the beginning of the year with a flipped format, so that is all the students know. I introduced my honors class this year to flipping in October and they seemed to have little to no issues changing, but I can see some of my other students finding it very hard to adapt.
If I put myself into a struggling math student's mind, here are some thoughts:
1. Why would I do homework? I can't even get it in class, like I'm going to get it at home!
2. I don't know what I'm doing and this is hard. No one at home can help me.
3. I don't even know where to start.
4. I don't know how to use my notes or book to help me, so I'm lost.
But... If all I have to do is take some notes, I can do that! No thinking involved! If I don't get something, Ms. Frantz can help me in class tomorrow!
I know, I'm living in my own magical world of perfect students, but I do think this could be the case. Especially if I train them well : )
I think one of the beautiful things about moving direct instruction to an online format is that it customizes the experience for all learners, not just the advanced kids.
ReplyDeleteI think you were right to introduce it from the jump this fall as it was probably a huge paradigm shift from what your incoming students experienced in the past.
Considering you wrote this post a little over a year ago now, how has the first semester of Math 8 flipping been? Have you stuck with the full flip or have you modified your blended approach at all? What does the f2f facilitation look like in your class now that your abilities range so much?