Yes, LEADPrep has proudly flipped instruction since opening in 2013. We use what the industry would call Flipped Learning (FL) 1.0. Recently, I became aware that FL has been evolving with the help of great minds, including educational thought leaders, university professors, researchers, and teachers from around the world. It has become a global initiative (FLGI).
With dogged determination, it has been aligning with best practices in active learning. Yes, the video lecture goes home per the flipped model. But Flipped Learning 3.0, complete with online certification classes, is extremely focused on active learning happening in the classroom…in addition to quality information in the pre-class flips. The synthesized lecture on video (of less than ten minutes) addresses the lower level thinking on Bloom’s Taxonomy. Gone is the traditional pyramid with the emphasis on lower-level thinking and memorization in the classroom. Students don’t passively “sit and get” in flipped learning. FL takes Bloom’s pyramid and creates more of a diamond, moving into higher levels of thinking in class activities, with the teacher’s guidance. From passive learning, students now are the ones doing most of the thinking and working.
This flipped learning is the “operating system” LEADPrep uses. Then we add in our choice “apps” of multi-age groupings, competency-based progress, project-based/service learning, and design-thinking.
Recently completing Level 1 certification, my deep belief in the power of flipped learning was even more completely validated. Four of the aspects of this certification program that further deepened my conviction?
- First, the alignment with current best practices determined unanimously and regularly updated by 100 P-16 educational experts in an independent non-profit puts the FLGI in a research-driven class of its own.
- Second, the emphasis on active learning strategies in the classroom makes this model vital and relevant for ALL classrooms and learners.
- Third, the FL framework’s mission is to reach every student. Forging powerful relationships between teachers and students resonates deeply with LEADPrep practices.
- Finally, the instruction was pragmatic, well-paced, and loaded with resources and testimonials from P-16 educators worldwide. Jon Bergmann’s engaging flipped explanations exemplified the practice.
Flipped Learning 3.0 is THE powerful educational meta-strategy of our time. So grateful that FLGI is using current research and moving educational practices into this millenium!
