Flipping my Classroom - Another Success Story

Today, as my students worked on a collaborative presentation on Mary, I conducted “mini-conferences” with each student. I briefly sit with each of my 122 students and assess her notes and class work. I enjoy being able to talk with them about their coursework, especially since we just completed our first chapter. This way I can clearly explain my expectations, clarify confusion and complement them on a job well done with a real smiling face rather than an emoticon.
As I went around the room, an international student interrupted me and asked for help. Apparently, she only completed one of her assignments. The language is a major barrier for her, and she was unable to complete her classwork without one-on-one attention. So, while the other students were working on their projects I was able sit down with this student and lead her through the assignments. I found she can speak English relatively well, but she really struggles with reading, thus she did not understand the written assignments. I guided her through it verbally and she was able to complete all her classwork. We also worked out a strategy for test taking, which was causing her even greater anxiety.
I found the experience immensely gratifying. When the class started, my student was in a state of confusion and panic. By the end of the class she was feeling reassured and so was I. Because I took the time to work with her individually, I have the confidence that she has a basic mastery of the material. The rest of the class continued to work on their presentations and were not held back when I took time with a student who desperately needed my help.

At the beginning of the year I was really worried about this student’s ability to be successful with the cultural and language barriers she encounters every day. After today, I think we devised a plan to put her on the right path. All this was possible because I gave myself the freedom to work one-on-one by adding more of the elements of flipped learning to my classroom.

Flipping my Classroom – How Flipped Lessons and Moodle Saved the Day

My original intent for this post was share how to flip lessons with Moodle, but I had one of those “teachable moments” that often preempts our best intentions.  But it wasn’t a teachable moment for my students, it was a lesson for educators on why having access to all your materials on Moodle is so valuable. 

 

Yesterday I had to relocate my class from our usual classroom to an assembly hall due to a malfunction with air conditioning.  The students were instantly thrilled, exclaiming, “Study hall!”  When I burst their bubble and explaining that we would simply have planned lesson in the new location a student asked, “But how, you’re not using your own computer.  How are you going to get your SmartBoard files and text book?”  “Easy,” I replied “I have everything on Moodle so we can access it anywhere.”  I was thrilled, the students defeated.

Using the book feature on Moodle, which can be found in the “Add a resource” drop down menu, I organize and upload all my course materials for the students. 

 

Last afternoon, having those materials instantly accessible saved the day.  This was all the more important because this class was already behind.  Thanks to Moodle we were able to have virtually the same lesson in a different location without missing a beat.  So if you’re wondering whether putting the time and effort into putting all your materials on Moodle is worth it, I would have to say yes.  Not only for the benefit of your students, but also for your own benefit as well.