How to Flip Your Classroom: The Basics

So, you want to create a flipped classroom but are unsure where to start. I have outlined the five steps necessary to take your class from a traditional classroom to a flipped classroom in no time!

1. Make a List of Learning Objectives

The first step in any lesson is to determine what you want your students to learn. For a flipped lesson, you will want to stick with one objective rather than a series of objectives. These can come from a curriculum you have used or a previously created scope and sequence. Write down a list of these objectives. After you have done so, each of these objectives will become a lesson.

2. Gather Video Lessons

Now that you have a list of objectives, you will need to pair each learning objective with a video lesson. This is the lesson that you would have previously taught in class. Students will now watch the lesson at home. These can be self-created or pulled from the web. One study shows that students tend to lose interest after 6 minutes and their attention drops dramatically after 9 minutes¹, so keep these lessons short and sweet!

Below is an 8th grade video lesson I created in Keynote for my 8th grade flipped classroom curriculum.

3. Create a Note-Taking System

Next, you will want to come up with some type of note-taking system for your flipped video lessons. Older students may only need a prompt. For example, you can outline the parts of the lesson that they MUST copy down. Perhaps, all learning objectives, definitions, examples, and practice problems should be in their notebooks. Create this list for students to paste into their notebooks as a reference. For younger students, it may be beneficial to provide guided notes. Guided notes are simply incomplete notes that the student will fill in as they watch the video.

Below are the guided notes that align with the above video lesson. All examples and important information are outlined so that students can easily fill in the notes as they go.

4. Devise a “Quick Check” Assessment

This is a series of 3-4 questions to assess student understanding of the video. Did they understand the lesson? Did they even watch the video? Creating these questions can help you assess which students are still struggling and need most of your attention during class. You can also use this information to form groups for the in-class activity.

Below is the “Quick Check” assessment that corresponds to the 8th grade math lesson on Solutions of Equations.

Using Google Classroom? For a smoother transition during class, have students answer these at home after watching the video by turning these questions into a Google Form. You will know which students completed the lesson, where they are struggling and who needs your attention the most before class even starts.

5. Determine the In-Class Activity

Ok everyone, this is where my passion for a flipped classroom stems from – the in-class portion! Choose an activity that relates to the video lesson. It is a great chance for you to reach all learners. You can do choose a group game, partner activity or set up stations. If it is your first time flipping, start with one group activity and try to scaffold the activity so that all students are able to complete it. As you get the hang of a flipped classroom, you can let your imagine run wild because now you actually have time to do all of those activities you see running around Pinterest! Seriously though, choose activities that will engage your students. A good rule of thumb is that if you’re excited about the day’s activity, your students will be too!

Shown below is the cut & paste riddle worksheet for the 8th grade lesson on Solutions of Equations. Students solve problems which each correspond to a letter. Each letter is part of the answer to “Why doesn’t anyone talk to circles?” The problems increase in difficulty as students move from Station 1 to Station 5.

Looking for more 7th and 8th grade math activities, games, and flipped math lessons for your classroom? Check out my store Taylor J’s Math Materials on Teachers Pay Teachers!

References:
¹Brame, C.J. (2015). Effective educational videos. Retrieved [July 17, 2020] from http://cft.vanderbilt.edu/guides-sub-pages/effective-educational-videos/.

Are you planning a flipped classroom? Share below with your grade, subject area and location!