Flipped Classroom in Action: Part 2

The framework I chose to adopt was the flipped classroom, or in this case flipped weightroom. My original reasoning was if I’m going to ask students to do a small amount of learning at home then I would need to make it accessible and relatively easy to accomplish. The flipped classroom framework allows me to designate a previously selected learning tool for students to watch in order to improve on fitness related subjects such as: a bench press tutorial, five ways to improve core strength, foods for energy, etc. I decided to build off of the previous inquiry based learning and begin implementing different topics each week. On top of this I developed a training guide with goal setting, testing, workouts, training records, exercises, and some motivational quotes in between. The risk I take is asking students to invest more in the after school program without deterring participation and reducing motivation.

I attempted several different methods with different age groups. At first, I presented the group with the training guide and briefly discussed the benefits to using one. I asked those who were interested to take it home and read through/fill out some information and bring it back the next day. From here I was able to understand more about the experience levels and goals in the group. As a starting homework assignment, without calling it homework, I suggested students take a look at a webpage article about reasons for working out so that we could discuss it over the next few days. Throughout the week I would discuss workout routines and exercises with different students at different times. During this I would direct them to specific links for videos detailing how to improve on an exercise or routine. The following day I would be sure to follow up so that we could put those teaching points into action. Often times students would come back and ask me if I had watched a different video or read a different article than the one I prescribed.