What? Why?

When I decided to flip my classroom a few people asked me to keep them informed about how it goes.  So, that is the reason for this blog - to keep those interested in how my effort to flip my classroom is going. 

For those of you who are unfamiliar with a "Flipped Classroom" I will try to explain it briefly.  Basically it is providing the instruction to students outside of the classroom in a comfortable setting of their choosing and using class time to guide students through using the skills and concepts.  Aaron Sams explains it best in this video:

"To help students to become learners who can learn for themselves and by themselves," Aaron Sams

"I walk around the classroom and help kids," Aaron Sams

So, why did I decide to do this?

1. The flipped classroom gives me the time I need with my students.  
2. As I facilitate their learning in class I am better able to catch their misunderstandings and incorrect procedures before they turn into bad habits.
3. Helps me to build relationship with my students.  Teacher/students relationship effects student learning.
4. Parents can watch the videos with their children to better help their children understand and learn.
5. Allows time for students to work collaboratively.  Collaboration is an important skill to hone for the professional world.
6. Students can rewind and replay the video when they don't understand something I said.  They can't rewind me and have me repeat word-for-word what I just said in class.
7. The videos are available any time a student needs to refresh their understanding of the concept.
8. Students take ownership of their learning!