What is Going on in that Classroom...

Week 1 reflections of an 8th Grade Flipped Math Classroom (January 7 - January 11, 2013)

As the first week of my Flipped Math Classroom concluded, I am amazed at the immediate results and feedback from the "honeymoon" period.  After completing two video lessons, students seem to be invigorated about learning math and excited to come to class.  Students are eager to take out the laptops and begin working or watching videos.

The assessment results have been nothing but positive.  Out of 50 students, only 3 scored below 80%...of which 1 did not watch a video and 1 chose not to study.  However, I was able to immediately meet with all 3 of these students, correcting their mistakes, and asking them to be prepared to try again on Monday.

On a positive note, my 2 of my students with IEP's scored 100% for the first time all year. After speaking with them, they pointed to being able to go at a slower pace during the video lesson, allowing them to take better/more accurate notes was critical. Likewise, they felt they got more practice time in class on the content.

I have noticed that I need to help my students find ways to use their flex time more appropriately.  After speaking with my math colleagues, we found an easy, yet practical solution. Our math series, Big Ideas Math, gives all students journal exploration activities. Starting next week, I am going to ask my TWIRL groups to discuss the video lesson and go over student questions, and then work on the journal exploration as a group. These explorations are a great way to continue our collaboration and encourage students to use each other as resources.

While we are still in the honeymoon stage of the process, I can already see the benefits of the flipped classroom for my students. I will continue to push students to be engaged in their video lessons, to probe and ask questions of their TWIRL group, and not be afraid to take chances.  I do not worry about the stares my classroom gets from other teachers walking by...if you dare to stop in, you'll notice the noise is productive, mathematical geniuses at work!

Until next week...the only thing we have to fear is fear itself!