The First Steps to Flipping

Ok, so you want to try flipping and now you need to know the first steps!

Many people have various concerns when they first flip. I don't like the sound of my voice! Creating videos takes too long! How will I have time to prep everything else for my class? When will I find time to grade? Like any method of instruction you need to focus on what you are trying to accomplish by trying something non-traditional. For me, I wanted to increase time with my students assisting them with old Free Response Questions in class to tackle any problems they might encounter on the AP test and complete more laboratory activities. The video is not the focus of my classroom, but rather the method I use to achieve greater inquiry in science.

If you have concerns about the time it will take to create a video, start by finding videos on YouTube created by teachers who are teaching the same subject as you . This may require some hunting and watching videos with various styles and qualities. Here are some suggestions students have given me when they have watched other teachers’ videos:

1. Find someone who matches your energy level when you speak. If you are high energy, don’t pick someone who speaks calmly and with a monotone voice.
2. Videos need visuals. This may mean someone standing in front of the camera or text bubbles or simply writing/picture appearing. Don’t choose someone who is simply reading text.
3. Watch the entire video and make sure it covers the exact topic(s) you want. You don't want videos over an hour long that don't apply to what the students are learning at that time. There is no better way to create disconnected students than giving them irrelevant videos to watch.
4. Be sure that students are somehow engaging in the videos! Whether they are taking notes, answering questions, or creating discussion threads, they need to be engaged!

Keep all the videos you find that you like in a YouTube playlist, even the ones you aren’t going to show to your students. This will give you quality examples to refer back to when you decide to make the leap into creating your own. Like your first year teaching, the first year flipping your classroom is the hardest so find ways that allow you to be innovative in all aspects of the learning process.