A new teaching concept is about to turn the traditional classroom on its head. The “Flipped Classroom," as it is called, will be reviewed in a one-day workshop at Bridgeport High School on August 7.  The workshop, taught by Braxton County’s Sandra Adkins, is the brainchild of some of the staff at BHS. Searching for innovative teaching techniques, Sue Ann Goots suggested the school apply for a grant that would fund training in this new concept. With the encouragement of Vice Principal Mary Francis Smith, teachers Jenny Santilli and Anita Horner wrote the grant and received the funding for the project.

 

“It’s a revolutionary new way to teach,” said Santilli.  “Basically, the instructor teaches via videos and resources online while the students are at home and then when they go into the classroom, they apply the concepts in interactive labs and activities.” 

 

The homework, in essence, is done at school and the instruction is done at home.  Flipped Classrooms have proven success to increase student engagement and increase student achievement. 

 

“By using technology and current information, the students will learn tangible applications to the concepts being taught.  This empowers the student and assigns ownership of the learning to him or her. This also allows the instructor to maximize class time to revisit concepts about which the students have questions.  The goal is to have more project-based learning and to establish an online support community that enhances the learning,” said Santilli.

 

The grant is through Fairmont State University Professional Development School Partnership and covers stipends, books and materials for participants.  Intended for the staff at BHS, the program is now open to all FSU Professional Development schools as space allows. Those interested can sign up for the program on www.mylearningplan.com.    Participants will receive a stipend of $35 per hour and the class is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 7. 

 

“There will be an overview of what the Flipped Classroom entails and then we will show participants how to set up and design lessons and Web sites to use when school starts,” said Santilli. 

 

Organizers hope participants can then train fellow teachers to increase the inclusion of technology in the schools.