The Flip Side

(PODCAST) The Flip Side: Spalding’s Physics Experiment

Mr. Spalding, Peninsula’s AP physics B teacher, has decided to teach in a new way by “flipping” the classroom. Popularized by Khan Academy, the concept of flipping the classroom is to have students learn at home, with a video lecture, and then work on homework problems in the class while the teacher guides students who are stuck on a problem. A benefit of flipping the classroom is that some misunderstandings may occur while working on homework, and without an experienced teacher to guide through a problem, many students tend to unsuccessfully turn to other resources for help.

Khan Academy was started by MIT graduate Salman Khan as a way to educate and reach out to other students. The site contains several hundred videos, ranging from math and science to current events and history. Each video, hosted on YouTube, is also found on his website, and his approach involves only a few key components: a virtual blackboard, the topic at hand, and his guidance. This allows students to see Khan writing as he talks while easing each concept by introducing them both visually and audibly.

Mr. Spalding is taking a similar approach with several videos already uploaded to YouTube. He has been uploading a few videos per chapter, and each video has approximately one hundred views. Video based learning can also have other benefits.

“If they miss a concept, they can go back and listen to it again and not only hear what I am saying, but to see what I’m writing on the digital blackboard,” Spalding said.

He is also working with a student to start his own website, but it is still a work in progress. In the meantime, students will have to go to YouTube to receive physics help. His ultimate goal is to truly “flip” the classroom in order to help students with the bane of their existence: homework.

The link to Mr. Spalding’s account is here.