Flipped classrooms test new ways of learning

Some schools are trying out a new teaching method that challenges old concepts like homework.

In flipped classes, the students study the topic at home on their own using lessons (video or otherwise) prepared by their teachers.

The students then do practical work (or what used to be their homework) in class in the hopes that having the teacher present during the application learning process will help students who might get stuck, give more one on one time with teachers encourage the completion of coursework.

"Im there; they cant hide anymore so it is more work, which forces them to be more successful,"said Dianne Fitzpatrick, whos accounting class students are part of this new flipped system.

Fitzpatrick said the advantage of this learning and working method is simple: more one on one time.

That is something important for some students who say they are too shy to ask questions during regular lectures.

And "with the flip class, you can watch (the lecture) even if its five or 10 times, until you get it,"one of Fitzpatricks students added.

Fitzpatrick uses her own website for lessons and videos all planned weeks in advance.

"Where Im seeing more success is students who would not typically have paid attention in class, wouldnt have done homework or maybe found it hard and given up, she said.

The idea was brought to her attention after she and some colleagues visited a Detroit High School that usedthe method.

The principal at that school decided to turn things around three years ago whenfreshman were failing at a 52 per cent rate in English language arts.

The new approach to class work and home work was implementedin order to make the most of the time students actually were in class.

Since then, that high schools failure rates have been reduced as much as 35 per cent.