Flipped Classroom Pedagogy

An effective pedagogy of a flipped ESL classroom, or any classroom for that matter, has been illuminated in a recent article by Christina Cavage, an ESL professional. According to Cavage, the "i" in the word "flipped" stands for "intentional." Using Bloom's taxonomy as a template, Cavage advises us how best to reverse the coursework process. We should not spend entire class periods covering only the lowest two Bloom's levels and then give homework that exclusively reflects and requires the tough higher levels.

 
There are ways we can be more intentional and deliberate about pushing real learning in this restructuring model. For example, with the video projects for her level 3 students, our very own Katrina has created a real learning-centered environment where the learners reach the highest levels of learning on the Bloom's chart.

At Chaffey College, faculty develop a DLA (directed learning activity) about some basics of thesis statements and then require their students to complete the DLA at a "Success Center" (i.e. a "tutoring center" as is called at Palomar) during week 2. In the classroom during week 3, students actually write and evaluate thesis statements. The potential for collaboration between our innovative faculty and our capable tutors can make the ESL flipped classroom a new reality at Palomar, too.