Standard 5 - Instructional Delivery – The competent teacher differentiates instruction by using a variety of strategies that support critical and creative thinking, problem-solving, and continuous growth and learning. This teacher understands that the classroom is a dynamic environment requiring ongoing modification of instruction to enhance learning for each student
Flipped Classroom Presentation: Click Here!
Flipped Classroom Quiz: Click Here!
The flipped classroom is becoming more and more popular, and for good reason, it allows for students to have access to their classroom at all times. Now, teachers can create lessons and share them online, for students to view in the comfort of their own homes. Instead of doing traditional homework, students can view the lesson and come to class prepared to discuss with their classmates. This always for more group and instructional time during class, as teachers no longer have to spend a large amount of class time lecturing. In my Educational Technology class, I was assigned to create a flipped classroom project which teaches a common core standard. The learning standard I focused on was the Illinois professional learning standard: ELA.RL.4.2. Determine a theme of a story, drama, or poem from details in the text; summarize the text. My goal was to teach 4th grade students about literary themes. To do this, I recorded my voice over a PowerPoint I created, and presented the PowerPoint by uploading it to YouTube. After creating the presentation, I created a quiz by using GoogleForms, so that I could assess my students knowledge of the material.
By using a variety of different tools and strategies to teach this lesson, I believe Knowledge Indicator 5C, “knows how to implement effective differentiated instruction though the use of wide variety materials," is met. By utilizing new technology to teach material in multiple ways, learning for each student is enhanced. Additionally, by creating a quiz to go along with the lesson, I believe that knowledge indicator 5G, "knows how to evaluate and use student performance data to adjust instruction while teaching," is fulfilled. Using a quiz allows me to see what my class needs to spend more time on, and also provides information on which students need more face to face learning time. The flipped classroom works perfectly with this lesson, as it allows the students who have mastered the material to move on and work together on classroom activities, while students who need additional help have access to time with their instructor in class. Knowledge indicator 5E, "knows techniques for modifying instructional methods, materials, and the environment to facilitate learning for students with diverse learning characteristics," is also met using this method. The flipped lesson allows for students with a variety of learning characteristics by allowing students to replay as many times as needed, and providing access to learning material outside of the classroom.
This course has taught me that there is more than just one approach to teaching. We are no longer limited to the traditional teaching methods that we grew up with. As technology continues to expand, we as teachers, need to expand with it. I hope to use more methods incorporating technology in the future, starting with the flipped classroom.