Synthesis Project

Innovative Learning

Synthesis Project

5/2/2016

7 Comments

I spent most of the past two weeks developing my prototype and my synthesis project. Essentially, the project consists of reflecting back on where I was when I started the Master's program, and it also documents the changes I have made to transform learning for my students. I hope to be a leader in helping other teachers make similar advances.

An education revolution is underway, and it is exciting to be a part of it. The books that I have read and the TED Talks I’ve seen have influenced my decision to try a flip model, combined with inductive teaching strategies (including Inquiry, Problem, and Project-based learning). I share them in this video that I made of my journey, and in the results of my action research. It has been an exciting year, and a wonderful experience for my students and myself.

7 Comments

Jane

5/7/2016 07:02:49 pm

I was super impressed with your video (anything with Sir Ken on it steals my heart!). I am also super impressed that you have begun integrating a flipped classroom into your class. I am still a little afraid of that. How do you cope with students who do not have access to technology at home, and that kind of thing? That is one big thing that worries me about doing the flipped model. I hope your students and you are enjoying it and finding it useful. It sounds like you are! Congratulations!

Rose Girguis

5/13/2016 06:45:37 pm

Jane,

I admit that does cause some trouble. Most of my students however did have internet. I heard a teacher say if students do not do the homework she gives them the first 15 minutes to complete it and the last 10-15 minutes of class to begin homework.

At our school we have a DO NOW, warm-up, bell-ringer, however, they are not worth as much points as the homework. In planning for next year I have decided to have groups. Group 1- No internet/Not compete homework Rest of class Starts the DO NOW. Rotate...Group one does the Do Now and the rest of the groups (based on the data from last nights homework, divide groups by level and differentiate and personalize the learning activity according to need. Basic get a basic skill building Medium gets an at level skill activity and Highs begin a more challenging activity.

To understand the data you get back from zaption.com I found this easy and helpful to divide the kids into their groups. This also allows more time to work with basic students needing more help than the others. https://youtu.be/sxJrEo5TZdQ

Our book has activities for the various levels or other ideas the teacher has to meets the need of their students. My school is adopting the Inquiry model so there will be unit activities and differentiated activities incorporated too. I have not tried this yet, but this is part of my summer planning for next year.

My school is also providing teacher time from professional development and collaboration to design lessons and activities for inquiry-based instruction. Very new and very exciting.

Marie Zorn

5/8/2016 03:02:35 pm

To echo on what Jane said, I love that you are doing flipped classroom! It scares me because it is hard to get homework back from students but I think if we did this, over time students would buy in and get it. How do you handle those who do not have access to internet at home, do you do the flash drive method? Also, how good are you at making videos, do the students like them? I am afraid if I make all the videos students will get bored with my voice and it will turn into a lecture at home. Overall, great job on your prototype.

Rose Girguis

5/13/2016 07:15:40 pm

Marie,

The no homework/no internet issue I addressed above. Yes, the drive method is a great idea especially if internet crashes often or buffering issues. I again was lucky, and not many students had trouble.

Also, I agree that me doing the videos may not always be best everyday all year long, so even though I have improved my video skills, I think there are a variety of great choices.

Discovery Channel being one of my favorites. Variety is good. Some lessons are better taught with games, projects, and inquiry. Eric Mazur a Harvard professor, also enforces the idea of peer instruction in his Farewell to Lecture paper and TED talks. His latest talk is Educating Innovators of the 21st Century where he stresses the importance of students needing to be creative and generating new ideas. I hope this helps.

Erin

5/11/2016 05:49:34 pm

Wow - you have been doing a great job - and your experience with flipped learning has definitely inspired me! I am still doing math videos every night for my students. How do you keep your students accountable? That is the only area where I am having trouble :)

Rose Girguis

5/13/2016 07:25:00 pm

I have two videos for you that explain how you can use a video, ask CFU questions by stopping the video. Then it keeps a record of each students answers, grades quizzes etc. https://youtu.be/SxEu112XMNw and https://youtu.be/sxJrEo5TZdQ.

I have the students sign in with their name on my roll sheet and that is the only way I know who to give credit to! I recommend watching on full screen mode. It will also let the student know they got the answer correct-instant feedback!!

Rose Girgus

5/13/2016 07:39:31 pm

Thank you all so much for your questions and interest. That is my goal. I want teachers to see the possibilities and opportunities flipping a lesson has to offer. Not only that, but you can post the link, so students that are absent can watch at anytime and get caught up. It helps keep them from falling behind. It is great for review 24/7 access for all your students. It's great for differentiation too, because now students can pause and rewind as needed to work at their own pace. I love it, the kids love it, parents love it!!

All of your interest sparked a light of inspiration in me and I appreciate that so much!! Thank you Jane, Marie, and Kim!!

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Synthesis Project

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Synthesis Project

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Categories​Innovative Learning​New Literacies and Digital Epistemologies​

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Innovative Learning

New Literacies and Digital Epistemologies