EdUHK Promotes Flipped Classroom in Primary Schools
EdUHK Promotes Flipped Classroom in Primary Schools
Over 300 principals and teachers from 113 local primary schools gathered at The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK) today (25 June) for the seminar cum workshop for QEF Project 2013/0944, “Flipped Learning Initiative Programme for Primary Education (FLIPPEd)", conducted by the Department of Mathematics and Information Technology (MIT). The project’s objective is to promote the “flipped classroom” to local primary teachers.
Led by Dr Gary Wong Ka-wai, Lecturer at MIT, the project is supported by five collaborating schools, including the AD & FD POHL Mrs Cheng Yam On School, Sha Tau Kok Central Primary School, PLK Tin Ka Ping Millennium Primary School, Tsuen Wan Trade Association Primary School and Queen Elizabeth School Old Students' Association Primary School. Originating in North America, the flipped classroom concept caters to the different learning needs of different learners, allowing teachers to engage students more effectively in class.
The flipped classroom swaps in-class directed teaching with daily homework exercises. Based on students’ existing use and knowledge of information technology, teachers record their teaching in video clips or other formats and share them on school online platforms. Students first learn the basic concepts at home by themselves so that class time can be used for more interactive and collaborative learning activities. The project team has completed the first cycle of teacher training and the second cycle of flipped classroom teaching practice. These experiences allowed them to experience teaching in flipped Chinese, English, Mathematics, General Studies and Physical Education classrooms in the partner schools.
At the seminar, Ms Clara Lau Ho-ying, Curriculum Development Officer (IT in Education) at the Education Bureau, introduced the use of information technology in creating the digital flipped classroom. Invited to share their practical experience and offer suggestions about how to implement the flipped classroom were teacher representatives from the participating schools, including Mr Ho Man-hin, Ms Kate Chang Hei-man, Ms Cheung Sze-lee and Mr Sheung Chun from the AD & FD POHL Mrs Cheng Yam On School; Ms Fung Shui-lan, Mr Pun Chi-fai and Mr Fung Wai-hei from the Sha Tau Kok Central Primary School; Ms Chan Yat-ping, Ms Chan Sze-wan, Ms Fung Wing yan and Ms Tracy Lau Chau-yi from the PLK Tin Ka Ping Millennium Primary School; Mr Tsang Kwong-keung, Mr Mok Man-to and Mr Chow Man-fai from the Tsuen Wan Trade Association Primary School; and Ms Anita Yip Pui-ling and Ms Ho Wing-yan from the Queen Elizabeth School Old Students' Association Primary School.
Mr Andy Li, Curriculum Leader and IT Coordinator at the Salesian School, then discussed ways in which to implement the flipped classroom effectively. Dr Gary Wong, the project leader, also discussed the future development of the flipped classroom in coding and STEM education. A workshop was conducted in the afternoon to share with participants the curriculum design framework for the flipped classroom. The project is expected to be completed by August 2016, after which there will be a final dissemination seminar. A flipped classroom handbook will also be published for further promotion and reference.
