Need for structure

When I first started flipping my focus was on creating great interactive videos.  And while I still focus on the videos, I realize that most of my time needs to be spent on planning the class activities.  My students need structure.  Flipped learning allows for student choice, and I didn't do a good job of guiding my students to the correct choice in the beginning.  I made the mistake of assuming (yes, I know never assume it makes an @$$ out of you and me) that my students would be able to pick their choice and work throughout the entire class period.  Not the case.  

I have tweaked things a little and things are going better.  What did I do?  I gave my students limited choices and implemented a daily reflection piece.  Now students are no longer picking activities based on what their friends are doing, but truly on interest or readiness level.  Also, students are now held more accountable to what they are doing during the class through a recording sheet for both individual and group work. 

Guided Choices

Before students were picking any choice from the daily "Your Choice" menu, but now students pick from a certain group of colors based on their responses to the Google Form.  We will discuss the options at the beginning of class and then students make their choice.  For example, a student that understood everything and got all the Quick Check questions right can choose any except the Blue (which is the easiest activity and will not challenge her), whereas a student that was confused and missed some questions will can choose Blue, Green, or Yellow (all foundational activities). 

A screenshot of our daily "Your Choice" activities

Accountability

My students love working with peers, doing activities and projects, and playing games to reinforce their learning; but they were switching activities like a Kim Kardashian switches men, so I needed to hold them accountable to their choices.  I didn't want to dictate their decisions and wanted to see what would help them so I brought it up in a class meeting.  The class agreed that having recording sheets would help, and they could look back and see all they learned throughout the unit (be still my heart!).  Below are two examples of their recording pieces, one for their Math Circle group and one for their individual work. 

Math Circle recording sheet. Each member has a job and the referee records. After they complete their discussion I circle around and ask them about the essential question.

Students individually complete this recording sheet during Processing Time.  Most days it is their ticket out the door. 

https://docs.google.com/a/eac.com.br/file/d/0Bz8E1G1_cVsza081eExmME1Ib1U/edit 

I'm still learning, and I guess that's the beauty of this whole flipped classroom. My students know this and are patient with me .  I'm sure in another month things will evolve into something else...and I can't wait to see.