Welcome to our Algebra 1 classroom at Windham High School. We wanted to take this opportunity to explain to you how
we are structuring our Algebra 1 classes this year. In an effort to help your child be as successful as possible and allow
us, as teachers, to have as much in-class, one-on-one time with your child, we are taking the “flipped” classroom
approach. What does that look like?
For homework, students will be assigned a video lecture to watch and take notes, instead of completing a worksheet or
set of problems. In each video, we go through an explanation, walk through an example or two, and give the students a
few practice problems titled ‘you try’ problems.
During the following class, we will check that the students have done their homework (taken notes and tried the ‘you try’
problems), discuss any questions they have from that material, and the finer points on that concept. The rest of the class
will then be devoted to practicing the material, allowing us to help students individually, and demonstrating their mastery
of the concept.
A concise explanation of what it is (and is not):
The Flipped Classroom is NOT:
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A synonym for online videos. When most people hear about the flipped class all they think about are the
videos. It is the interaction and the meaningful learning activities that occur during the face-to-face time that is
most important.
About replacing teachers with videos.
An online course.
Students working without structure.
Students spending the entire class staring at a computer screen.
Students working in isolation.
The Flipped Classroom IS:
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A means to INCREASE interaction and personalized contact time between students and teachers.
An environment where students take responsibility for their own learning.
A classroom where the teacher is not the "sage on the stage", but the "guide on the side".
A blending of direct instruction with constructivist learning.
A classroom where students who are absent due to illness or extra-curricular activities such as athletics or field
trips, don't get left behind.
A class where content is permanently archived for review or remediation.
A class where all students are engaged in their learning.
A place where all students can get a personalized education.
We have provided two links below explaining a little more about the “flipped” classroom.
http://youtu.be/RafJfNH15cw
http://youtu.be/v-y9vR7YTak
http://youtu.be/ZzJbA2Y2S5A (min.s 2:28 to 5:21 = explanation; rest = student testimonials)
This format provides your child with the most opportunity for success provided they do their part. It is essential that they
come to class having watched the video(s) assigned, taken notes, and actually tried the problems. During class, we will
clear up any questions that they may have. Your support is invaluable to us, so if you have any questions, please do not
hesitate to call or email us. We look forward to meeting you at Open House!
Sincerely,
Julie Hartmann and David Gilbert
Windham High School Algebra 1 teachers