A Student-Centered Model of Blended Learning

Summary

This transcript showcases an innovative approach to teaching at Eastern High School in Washington, D.C. Teachers, like Kareem, utilize blended learning, self-paced structures, and mastery-based grading to accommodate students with varying skill levels. By using instructional videos, students work independently at their own pace, helping each other and focusing on mastering concepts through exit tickets. This method allows teachers to provide individualized support, improving student engagement, reducing anxiety, and offering flexibility for those with attendance challenges or emotional needs, ensuring they have a better chance to succeed.

Takeaways

• 😀 Students feel less tense when entering the classroom, and their desire to learn increases.
• 📚 Blended learning, self-paced structure, and mastery-based grading are key components of the instructional model.
• 💡 Students can learn at their own pace, which reduces anxiety and increases confidence.
• 🎬 Instructional videos are used at the beginning of lessons, allowing students to take notes and learn independently.
• 🔄 Students can pause, rewatch, and review lessons, ensuring full comprehension before moving forward.
• 🤝 Students help each other, and the classroom environment encourages collaboration and peer learning.
• ✍️ Exit tickets act as mini-quizzes to measure students' mastery of the lesson before they move on.
• 🎯 Teachers are free to work one-on-one with students because they are not tied to giving lectures.
• 📈 Students with different learning levels and experiences are accommodated by the flexible structure of the class.
• 🏫 This teaching method is beneficial for students with varying attendance rates or those dealing with personal challenges.

Q & A

What is one of the main challenges students face when entering classrooms according to Kareem?

Students often feel tense and worried about being put on the spot, especially if they are behind or don't understand a skill.

How has the implementation of blended learning, self-paced structure, and mastery-based grading changed the classroom environment?

These methods have created a 'controlled chaos' where students are at different stages of learning, allowing for independent learning, collaboration, and problem-solving, which reduces anxiety and increases engagement.

What is the role of instructional videos in Kareem’s teaching method?

The instructional videos replace traditional lectures, allowing students to learn at their own pace, pause, and rewatch as needed. It also frees up the teacher to provide one-on-one or small group assistance.

How do students progress through lessons in this classroom model?

Students watch instructional videos, take notes, complete assignments, and then take an exit ticket (mini-quiz) to demonstrate mastery. If they don’t pass, they receive additional instruction and try again.

What advantage does Jayme find in using instructional videos?

Jayme appreciates the ability to pause, rewatch, and fully understand the lesson before moving on, which helps him grasp the strategies and formulas more effectively.

How does this learning model address students with varied academic levels or backgrounds?

The model allows students to work at their own pace, whether they are ahead or behind, and receive personalized help. This flexibility supports students with different learning levels and experiences.

Why does Zakyra prefer this classroom model over a traditional one?

Zakyra likes that students can move at their own pace, which prevents everyone from being forced to stay on the same lesson. She also values the independence it teaches.

What is the purpose of the exit ticket in this learning model?

The exit ticket is a mini-quiz that succinctly measures a student’s understanding of the lesson. If they master it, they move forward; if not, they receive additional instruction and try again.

How does this teaching method help students with attendance issues?

Because students can catch up by watching videos and work at their own pace, the model helps students who miss class due to absences stay on track, reducing the likelihood of failing.

What does Kareem mean by saying that the video instruction allows him to 'clone' himself?

By using videos for instruction, Kareem can deliver lessons to all students at once while simultaneously providing individual support to those who need it, effectively multiplying his teaching presence.