UGA grants help 'flip' classroom model

Two faculty members in the College of Education recently received grants from the University of Georgia's Center for Teaching and Learning to help "flip" the classroom experience.

The grants, worth up to $10,000 each, will fund projects that explore the "flipped" model of instruction, which inverts the traditional teaching model. Rather than start with teacher's lecture followed by an out-of-class experience (usually in the form of homework), the flipped method has students review material before class, then they get the chance to explore the concepts in class with the guidance of the teacher.

Kristin Sayeski's project, "Scaling Up Learning in Teacher Education — Using the Flipped Classroom Instructional Model and OER to Enhance Candidates Ability to Implement Evidence-Based Practice," will provide iPads to students in two special education classes, to support the "flipped" class format. Sayeski will work with Bethany Hamilton-Jones to develop instructional materials this spring in SPED 4100 (Methods of Instruction for Students with Mild Disabilities) and in the fall with SPED 2000 (Introduction to Special Education).

Sayeski is an assistant professor and Hamilton-Jones is a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Communication Sciences and Special Education.

Lou Tolosa-Casadont's project, "Flipping the Elementary School World Language Methods Course Classroom," provides information outside of class to children in second through fifth grades, then uses class time for activities and other hands-on experiences. Part of the World Language teaching certificate, the class will take place at a local elementary school.

Tolosa-Casadont is a clinical assistant professor and world language program coordinator in the Department of Language and Literacy Education.