Flipped for Flipped Learning

Ever hear of Flipped Learning? I have been hearing about teachers who are using technology in a constructive way, instead of just games. I didn’t know it had a special name, but I knew the technique. Students access the next day’s lesson the night before at home through video, podcast or other such visual demonstration. Students can view the lesson several times at their own comfort and convenience. The next day when the student goes to class, they “practice” the information they learned the night before. In class, the teacher can work with small groups of students who need extra instruction and/or they can go help students practice their new learned skill. Now, what I just discussed is a very “generic” version. I began investigating this technique and came across “Flipped Learning”. The idea is students learn the concepts at home, and then practice in school. I did more investigating and found the “Flipped Learning Network”. There is a link in my BlogRoll.
It is free to join. Learn and practice a new philosophy on how to increase practice time in your classroom, and how to differentiate learning for all the learning levels you may have in your class. Their are webinars, discussion groups and support if you have questions. Please comment about your experience with flipped learning, or if you have even heard of it….it may motivate you! It motivated me to try….but I need to learn more…..how about you?

Play To Learn, Learn to Play

As education continues to move toward proof of student’s academic learning through testing and statistics, it inadvertently moves further away from understanding whole student, development and the life-long learning process of learning. The reason for this blog is to reach an audience who is interested in practical application as opposed to theoretical rhetoric, and I acknowledge that the overall goal of academia is for our youth to be educated so they are productive and successful members in our society. When I was a student teacher, my master teacher had a great saying: Play to Learn-Learn to Play. His understanding of his kindergarten students was that if the teacher/facilitator/parent, realizes that children, and for that matter adults, enjoy interacting on a non-stressful and engaging level, the activity can teach them the same concept as “practicing” the information with pencil and paper. Soon, I will be releasing an ebook that give 25 free (or nearly free) practical ways to practice reading with your young child. Please stay tuned!