What is with all of the new acronyms and metaphors? Are these programs, instructional practices, technology initiatives? For those of you that aren't sure what I'm talking about, let me give you a conversational overview of the above. Before I do, however, let me preface.
I've spoken of this great paradigm shift that has begun. If not, read my post before last. Whether we agree, disagree, fight it or embrace it, it is happening. Because of this and the many changes we have seen with technology, teachers have been forced, and in many situations desperate, to find a way to keep kids engaged, as well as share the burden with their students instead of shouldering all of it for all of the learning of each student. We finally have enough people asking the "why" question: Why are we doing what we're doing? Why do we force-feed information to kids who aren't curious because they aren't given the chance to be. The answer has led us to realize that what we're doing is NOT relevant to true learning and achievement OR to the real world. So how does the above fit in to this? These instructional practices and models are ways many teachers are responding to the paradigm shift. Students aren't engaged by the way we do class anymore. The traditional activities that were once an attempt at creativity and engagement are now just ways to keep the kids busy while they spend time NOT learning. Let's shift the paper and pencil focus to a "do" focus. Kids need to do (design, build, create!), own, MAKE MISTAKES (oh how important this is!), re-think, lead, modify, engage, and take pride. How can they do that when WE are doing it all for them? So take a deep breath and take a step of faith in trying one of these new practices, and just see what kids can do when they are in the lead!
Instructional Practice Smack-down Run-down (these are just a few):
PBL - Project-Based Learning is a practice that allows students to be the leaders of their learning. Real-world problems, products and processes are chosen as topics for the kids to explore. These are based on the standards you want them to master, and is generally assessed through something like a rubric (given at the beginning of the project period) as well as checkpoints along the way. PBL should not be confused with projects.
Flipped Learning - Flipped Learning or Flipped Instruction involves taking the lecture or basic concept of a lesson and putting it into video form (usually with you on the video showing, explaining or discussing) for kids to view outside of class. THIS IN NO WAY CAN OR WILL REPLACE YOU. Imagine you have an assistant. (I know...funny!) If you could ask this assistant to introduce or review with your students what they will be learning during class time that day or the next day, would you take advantage of that? This way, you could really get somewhere once you have the kids in class. Flipping allows for deeper understanding during class because you are able to go further and deeper with the content being covered another time. You flip it, in other words. This works well with students that need you to repeat yourself multiple times. This way they have a rewind and a play button AS WELL as a real version of you. It's a win-win.
BYOT - BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) is an instructional practice that involves students bringing their own devices from home to school. This allows students to use the device as a tool to deepen their learning experience and engagement in class.
Hopefully this isn't overwhelming for you. I have done all of these in some shape, form or fashion, and am here to tell you that you already have the intelligence and capability to do all of this. (Some of you have probably done a version of one of these at some point!) None of it is intimidating, rocket science, difficult to attain, etc...it is just a way of rearranging the way you think about class. Try one. Just start small and don't shoot for the moon on the first go-around!
As always, let me know how I can help ; )
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