Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Journal 3 "Upside Down and Inside Out"

Fulton, K. (2012). Upside down and inside out. Flip your classroom to improve student learning. Learning and leading39(8), 12-14. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Upside_Down_and_Inside_Out.aspx.


With the bad economy and a decrease in funding for schools across the United States, school districts have had to become creative in coming up with ways to effectively teach students while dealing with all of the cuts.  In Kathleen Fulton's journal, "Upside Down and Inside Out," Fulton explores a change in the traditional curriculum that some districts have adopted.  Some schools across the country have implemented a way for students to learn and watch lessons in the comfort of their own homes while getting rid of textbooks in order to save the district money.  After students watch the lesson plans via the internet out their homes, the following day they come to class and do their homework.  Students are able to either work in groups or by themselves at their own pace.  At the beginning of class, the teacher puts questions or problems on the board to see if all of the students are understanding the concepts.  If students are struggling, the teacher will then go into more detail in a particular area.  There have been mixed reviews since this is a new concept for students, teachers, and parents.  One of the pros to this change is that the teacher can go around the class while students are doing their homework and help each and every student.  A con to this change is that it could be difficult for students and parents to make time to view the lessons online with multiple students attending the school.  


Q:  Can this type of change work in the inner city schools?  
A:  I honestly don't think this would work in inner city schools.  Students whose families are below the poverty line may not be able to afford a computer for home.  If funding is going to be taken away from schools, we as a society need to make sure schools in less fortunate areas receive the proper funding.  These students must have the same opportunities as students that live in affluent neighborhoods.  The only way I can see this type of teaching to have any success is if every student has the resources to succeed in this type of curriculum.    


Q:  Do I see myself working for a school district that adopts this idea?  
A:  I do think this is a good idea, especially when funding becomes a problem for districts.  I have to commend the teachers that worked on this project to ensure that the students did not suffer from the budget cuts.  I like the idea of having time to meet with each and every student on a regular basis to ensure they are understanding the material.  If students are watching the lessons at home and then coming to school to do their homework, I would have the ability to work with the students that are struggling.  I also like the idea of taking quizzes electronically where I would have the ability to instantaneously see what students were struggling with and what I need to spend extra time on.  Overall, I do see myself working in a school setting that adopts this type of curriculum.  I do favor the traditional way over this, but when there isn't enough money to continue with the traditional way, this is an excellent alternative.








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