A Story of Flipped Learning (Part 5) – group space and individual space

Planning for flipped classrooms is a little bit different from planning for traditional classrooms.

You must understand the key structures/concepts of a flipped classroom.

What is a flipped classroom? First let’s look at a definition of Flipped Learning.

Jon Bergmann believes that the most useful and enlightening definition of Flipped Learning is as follows: “Flipped Learning is a pedagogical approach in which direct instruction moves from the group space to the individual space and the resulting group space is transformed into a dynamic interactive learning environment where the educator guides students as they apply concepts and creatively engage in the subject matter.

So for Bergmann a flipped classroom has at its core the concept of:

• Group space 
• Individual space.

Both are crucial to running a sound flipped classroom.

The group space for a student is typically the classroom working with other students and the teacher. The individual space is the student working by themselves typically, but not always, at home. Be clear, the individual space can be in a variety of locations, but it is characterised by the student working alone.

Traditional Classroom

In the group space of a traditional classroom, direct instruction (a lecture to the whole group) is followed by a few activities to cement learning. In the individual space of a traditional classroom, homework is set which usually involves more complex activities involving application, analysis, evaluation and creativity. Students complete this homework alone at home without the help of a teacher, but because of the often complex nature of the homework they may need assistance. Where is the teacher when they are truly needed?

Note that in a traditional classroom the group space happens first where new content is introduced usually via the lecture and the individual space happens second.

Flipped Classroom

In a flipped classroom it is the other way round. The individual space comes first and the group space second. In the individual space the student is introduced to new content which usually takes the form of a micro video. They are doing this by themselves with some sort of device without much need of any help. When they come to class, that is when they meet in the group space the next day, they get to ask their questions, apply, analyse, evaluate and create and be generally involved in a whole lot of active learning, with the teacher available to guide them – as it should be!

Where do you sit in relation to classroom style? More traditional or more flipped?

To find out more about Flipped Learning and its possibilities meet Jon Bergmann, in person @ FlipCon Australia at the Inaburra School in Sydney on Friday 20 and Saturday 21 October 2017.

Here is a snapshot of sessions in the pedagogy and best practices track:

For more information about FlipCon Australia and to register go to: www.ereg.me/flipconaus

You may also be interested in a certification program that Jon Bergmann is running. Find out more and preview some free training samples @ http://flglobal.org/certificationiwbnet/ - The cost of this course is US $70.00.