Flipped Learning – 5 Reasons to Flip Your Math Class Today

Are you thinking about flipping your math class but are not sure if you should? Do you wish to change the way you deliver your content to your students? Are you constantly worried about how you will ensure those students who missed class will not fall behind? If so, you have come to the right place.

The Flipped-Classroom approach to learning was first introduced by Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams and has gained great popularity ever since. This modern approach to learning places the student at the center of their learning. Moreover, it allows students to conceptually understand the math concepts being presented.

A flipped-classroom approach to learning can take on many different forms but it is what occurs in the classroom that is imperative to their learning. In my math class, students will be assigned a video along with a mini-assessment that must be completed for homework (this will allow students to learn the material at their own pace). Students then attend class ready to practice what they learned. More specifically, students will work in groups of three at different whiteboards set up around the classroom while thoroughly communicating their solutions to each other.

With that said, here are 5 reasons why I think you should flip your math class today!

1. Deeper Learning

Students unequivocally learn better when they are actively engaged in what they are learning. When students are more involved in what they are learning they tend to think more deeply about the concepts being presented. Moreover, students take on a more active approach to learning.

While implementing the flipped-classroom approach in my math classes one way I ensure students are thinking deeply about math concepts is by having students communicate with each other the solutions. Additionally, I ensure that the problems being presented relate closely to real-life situations in order for them to see the relation between math and the real world.

2. Content is Easily Retrievable

Gone are the days when students had to go see their teacher during lunch to find out what they missed while they were absent. With a flipped-classroom approach to learning, students can easily retrieve past lessons via online videos. There are many different online platforms available to use but whichever one you choose the concept remains the same: an online platform that allows students to watch math videos and complete online assessments to help them achieve better results. Students can watch the videos at any time they choose while enabling them to pause, rewind and even rewatch the videos whenever necessary. This will allow the student to ensure they have fully grasped the concept before moving on.

3. Engaged Students

Motivating and engaging students seems to be one of the hardest parts of teaching, at least for myself it is. Being able to engage every student is a challenge. With the flipped-classroom approach to learning, students are rarely sitting at their desks. Instead, students are at their respective whiteboards with their groups communicating the solutions to the math problems.

4. Fosters Independence

Teaching students how to be independent learners is critical in today’s generation. Students should be taught that in order to be successful hard work and determination is key. By teaching students that online videos are a great way to learn a new topic students gain a sense of independence in their learning. Moreover, it teaches them the important role they play in the classroom since neglecting to view the video before class will result in not being able to effectively participate.

5. Teamwork

Being able to communicate and work with others is an important skill to acquire not just in school but in everyday life. Given the importance of this skill, the flipped classroom approach not only encourages group work but I believe is one of the main parts of the flipped classroom approach. Students learn how to work with others, perhaps even with those, they may not necessarily get along with. It also teaches them how to effectively communicate with each other in a respectful manner.

Conclusion

There you have it, you now know the 5 reasons I encourage you to flip your math class today. Flipping your math class will be challenging, hard work, and time-consuming; however, it will be rewarding. By simply changing the way you deliver your content you will drastically change your classroom dynamic.