MATHS

THE FLIPPED CLASSROOM MODEL ADOPTED BY YEAR 9 MATHS CLASSES IN 2022

As you know, many classrooms are changing their environment to better suit the needs of their students. One change we are implementing is the "Flipped Classroom" model.

The Flipped Classroom model involves some learning at home before class. Students then bring this knowledge into the classroom to bolster their learning. This is the converse of homework - where learning takes place in the classroom and practice occurs at home. This new model means that when our children come to school, we can focus more on applying knowledge rather than going over the basics. 

Students will prepare for particular lessons by viewing a short video, one to three nights per week. This will probe their thinking, spark interest and summarise skills covered in the following class. The next day, in place of demonstration, students start the lesson by answering recap questions in their workbook.

There are three main benefits of this new model:

Learning Skills at Home: Students will be able to learn everything they need to know at home for the work we practice in class. If they have difficulty, they can freely re-watch the material to master these skills. Parents can always join their child while they complete the videos assigned. Healthy parental involvement with student learning is a key predictor of education success.

Mastering Skills in Class: We want the classroom to be a place of growth and challenge. By becoming familiar with the content earlier, students have the support to tackle tougher problems in class, rather than at home. Supporting students to take on these challenges is critical to raising confidence within Mathematics.

Preparation for Senior and Higher Education: Modern tertiary education involves watching lectures, followed by tutor groups to explore the material. We are aiming to engage students in this style early on, to help transition to self-directed learning in senior school.

If we need to return to a remote learning-at-home environment, this model will support students. There will be less impact on their education as essential knowledge is no longer kept to the classroom. Meets will continue to run and directly support students. If a student is absent they will not miss out on instruction as they always have access to essential class content. This is true even if a student is isolating at home, but class continues to run in-person.

Homework may still be a feature of some classes or for some students where needed. We continue to provide extra help with the assistance of classroom tutors and integration aides when deemed appropriate.

McKinnon continues to maintain a high standard of learning through constant review and appropriate improvement. Our Year 9 Mathematics team will support parents as we take gradual steps to teach all our children according to modern educational standards. It is our goal to make this transition an enjoyable and comfortable process. We invite all Year 9 parents to discuss this model with your child’s teacher if you have any questions, and look forward to supporting your child through 2022.

Helen Angelis

Maths Teacher