I have mixed feelings about Flipped Learning but have decided to support this side of the debate because I think the practice of flipped learning is popular among many who are advocate for sweeping education reform. As such, the idea of changing the traditional instructional model seems like a step in the right direction. However, I agree with Lisa Nielsen in a few of her points--primarily her idea that the most important change to the educational system will come when we stop the practice of grouping students by age instead of ability. In other words, not by their "date of manufacture." I agree with this, but in anticipation of challenges to this argument I acknowledge that this approach would have implications for social stratification and developmental stages. Intellectually curious 9-year-olds who are academically advanced would probably not be able to navigate the middle or high school social environments with ease. This goes the same for a 16-year-old who is reading at a 3rd grade level, what would be the potential social harm of placing this student with a group of 8-year-olds? Another potential downfall with the Flipped Classrooms is that there is a heavy emphasis on homework, which takes away from students time to explore other passions and take care of family obligation. In the article, by Rebecca Schuman "The flipped classroom: A disruptive revolution in pedagogy, or yet another educational fad?" she points out that flipped classrooms could be an educational fad like so many others before it. In it Schuman states that "Opponents bemoan the oversimplification of difficult course material, the technical difficulties, and the extra homework—for students, and for faculty". I agree these are some potential risks absolutely. Another point to consider is the lack of research supporting the merit of the Flipped Classroom structure. Goodwin and Miller stated, "To date, there's no scientific research base to indicate exactly how well flipped classrooms work. But some preliminary nonscientific data suggest that flipping the classroom may produce benefits. (Goodwin and Miller, 2013). In closing, my view is that while there may indeed be some merit to the Flipped Classroom model, it needs to be taken with a grain of salt as one idea in the pot of soup towards improving the American educational system.
References:
Goodwin, B., & Miller, K. (2013). Research says/evidence on flipped classrooms is still coming in. Technology-Rich Learning, 70, 78–80. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/
Online Article - The flipped classroom: A disruptive revolution in pedagogy, or yet another educational fad?
Blog Post - Five reasons I’m not flipping over the flipped classroom
