Part of the reason I've chosen to use this approach is that it's backed by rigorous academic research. Decades of studies have demonstrated the benefits of blended, self-paced, and mastery-based learning, and research by the Modern Classrooms Project shows that learners in Modern Classrooms feel more engaged, more capable, and more effective than learners in traditional classrooms. 

The Modern Classrooms Project is currently studying the effects of this model on student achievement. Please contact research@modernclassrooms.org to learn more.

Videos are part of how you'll learn in this class, but they aren't the only way. In addition to videos, I'll also be working with you and your classmates as a whole class, in small groups, and one-on-one. You can also work with your classmates! So videos will be a helpful tool, but not the only tool.

Also, think about things you'd like to learn outside of school. Would you ever watch a video on YouTube to learn a new dance move, recipe, video game strategy, or anything else? If so, you can learn from videos in school too!

It's true that, in this class, I won't be standing at the front of the room every day. Instead, I will be:

• Working closely with you and your classmates, individually and in small groups.

• Giving you prompt feedback on your work, so you can improve right away.

• Getting to know you as a person, not just a name on my roster.

I'm still teaching - just in a more personal and responsive way. I hope this makes class nicer for both of us!