The educational themes of Flipped Learning and Challenge Based Learning are very interesting, indeed. I think they both have important implications for student motivation and learning. Let's start with the flipped model of education. Pre-loading information in order to reduce cognitive load feels like a very important idea for second language learners. Over the years of my teaching I have learned how important it is to "pre-load" information for my second language learners. If I can explain a concept to kids face to face, in colloquial language, as in, (ok, here's what we are going to learn...), prior to a formal, text based lesson presentation, the learning and retention improve. It always seems kids remember what we talk about much more than what we read about. Flipping the curriculum gives students more to talk about. If I were to guess why this model works for second language learners, I would have to refer to pedagogy on second language acquisition. In this area, prior knowledge of the content and context of any given language interaction is vital to language learning. It creates a bolstered language context. MEANINGFUL language interactions sustain themselves on prior knowledge. The front loading of concepts as seen in the flipped model offers this more meaningful and language rich language environment. It's a way to make the classroom a more authentic and familiar environment. Front loading info. makes so much sense because it gives kids the power to actually discuss information in class with their peers, which increases language development. Flipped learning fits in perfectly with the "flipped school" proposal I am promoting through my research. An important part of my action research addresses the increasing amount of time children are spending indoors on screens. If teachers adopt a flipped model, then much of the in home screen time, (I hope), will shift from entertainment to classroom assignments. Since kids are going outdoors less and going on screens more as the studies show, we may as well ask them to use that screen time to complete school assignments. By doing so we will also be helping their language acquisition by front loading language and allowing them to use it in class. CBL also makes a lot of sense. We know how powerful motivation is to learning. If we use real world problem solutions as a focus for learning, motivation is increased. There are many social and environmental problems in the world to solve. Minority students who grow up in poor communities have plenty of problems to solve. Their education should be focused on helping them find solutions to the very real problems that face them. The biggest perceived problem I have encountered in Calistoga has been the lack of outdoor spaces for children to play in and the increasing amount of indoor screen time children are engaged in. I have learned this through conversations with parents during conferences, and through participation in the local Spanish speaking parent committee. This group of parents has identified as their main focus the creation of more outdoor spaces for children in Calistoga. I can see how getting kids involved in this effort could be very motivating, indeed. Last year my students wrote letters to the local school board and town government to ask them for playgrounds, soccer fields, skate parks, etc. This was a start, but more can be done. I'd love for all schools to be more focused on solving the environmental problems we face. I always trusted the "higher-ups" would recognize this and reform our educational system accordingly. After reading Darling-Hammond, I'm starting to have serious doubts that this will happen. The motto "be the change you want to see happen" is having more meaning for me while I study in this program. In my "flipped school" dream, in school kids would be engaged in much more outdoor, environmentally based education, while the indoor screen time happens at home. I'm starting to figure out how to make this work in my own teaching, since it does not seem it will come from any large scale school reform any time soon. One thing getting in the way of this now is the lack of universal home access to Internet and devices.
2 Comments
Joel
11/26/2019 11:00:52 am
Jeremy, I love how you are getting your students involved in practices and activities outside of your classroom. Students who know that their voice is more valuable then just a "letter grade" gives them a lot of confidence and increased meaning to their work. I also think you are dead on in regards to more parks and spaces being needed in town. I think your research topic is very important at this time and I look forward to learning more about your findings. Have a great Thanksgiving!
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Melissa Newman
11/27/2019 03:59:58 pm
Jeremy, I agree with your findings. I've had similar findings, when preloading information for my students, especially in Math. Practicing CBL, regardless of language would be beneficial to all students.
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AuthorJeremy Smith teaches third grade at Calistoga Elementary School. Archives
July 2020
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