The Flipped Classroom

Katie Gimbar spoke to our class last night on creating a flipped classroom.   I was captivated.  At first I didn't really understand the concept behind the flipped classroom, but the more she talked the more I liked the idea.  Flipping a classroom involves the teacher recording content videos for students to watch at home and allowing in-class time for questions and practice work.  The idea is that with the content being delivered at home, students can work at their own pace and the teacher can spend more time working with students as opposed to lecturing.  Ms. Gimbar explained that her students' test scores have shot through the roof since flipping her classroom 3 years ago and her stress level has decreased significantly in that time as well.  Much of the hustle-bustle surrounding pacing guides is alleviated when the videos are pre-recorded and ready to go.  As someone who is already anxious about the struggles of keeping up with the paperwork involved in teaching, a flipped classroom sounds very appealing.  Not only can the teacher be free to walk around and interact with students more, but the students have free reign of their learning process and can revisit the videos as often as needed.   Here is an article and few links on flipping a classroom at the elementary level.  Such a cool  concept. 

Image: Edudemic