I am overly critical of myself. That's my overarching realization as I reflect on this year of flipping. I can easily identify all of my shortcomings. The level of thinking of my students was more superficial than I would have liked. The higher order thinking I set out to establish as the norm in my classroom was more low level than I desired to achieve. The viewing rate of my videos was less than the 100% goal I had set for myself. Sometimes much less.
Now there are explanations for some of these. But of course my perfectionistic self sees these as "excuses". Most of it boils down to the fact that my focus was on building the infrastructure of my flipped classroom. Technology, creating content, building in student accountability, writing grants, and working out other "bugs" consumed me this year. And as easy as it would be for me to dismiss all of that to criticize myself for what I didn't accomplish I realize its important to take a moment to focus on what I did accomplish.
I've learned how to better ascertain what content is appropriate for video and what is better to leave for classroom content. I have fine tuned my technology skills when it comes to creating content, whether it be producing and editing videos, maintaining my website, or using Google Forms. I've even begun to present at conferences and share my knowledge with others.
The thing I am most proud of (and the reason I started flipping in the first place) is that I no longer have students saying "Mrs. Light I understand it when you explain it to me but I struggle on the homework." Now I am able to be there to support my students when they are wrestling with the content because "homework" is done in class. Overcoming that was the whole reason I started this process almost 2 years ago. I have built better relationships with my students and am better able to meet their individual needs. Things to be proud of indeed.
As I look to next year and the things I wish to change I now understand that this is a journey. One with which I must get comfortable in traversing without letting my perceived shortcomings undermine my self-confidence. I must learn to view my "shortcomings" as opportunities to grow. Much like I teach my students to view their mistakes as learning opportunities. I must learn to not get discouraged when looking at the accomplishments of those in my PLN. Rather than focusing on what I'm not accomplishing I need to look at my Tweeps and colleagues as a source for ideas, inspiration, and support. I may never achieve what some of the master flippers have but I am doing more for my students today than I did yesterday or last year. My journey may look different and may even end in a different place but I am making it the right journey for me and that makes me a better teacher for my students.
I guess in the end I've learned to forgive myself for not being perfect. It's a lesson long overdue.
Now there are explanations for some of these. But of course my perfectionistic self sees these as "excuses". Most of it boils down to the fact that my focus was on building the infrastructure of my flipped classroom. Technology, creating content, building in student accountability, writing grants, and working out other "bugs" consumed me this year. And as easy as it would be for me to dismiss all of that to criticize myself for what I didn't accomplish I realize its important to take a moment to focus on what I did accomplish.
I've learned how to better ascertain what content is appropriate for video and what is better to leave for classroom content. I have fine tuned my technology skills when it comes to creating content, whether it be producing and editing videos, maintaining my website, or using Google Forms. I've even begun to present at conferences and share my knowledge with others.
The thing I am most proud of (and the reason I started flipping in the first place) is that I no longer have students saying "Mrs. Light I understand it when you explain it to me but I struggle on the homework." Now I am able to be there to support my students when they are wrestling with the content because "homework" is done in class. Overcoming that was the whole reason I started this process almost 2 years ago. I have built better relationships with my students and am better able to meet their individual needs. Things to be proud of indeed.
As I look to next year and the things I wish to change I now understand that this is a journey. One with which I must get comfortable in traversing without letting my perceived shortcomings undermine my self-confidence. I must learn to view my "shortcomings" as opportunities to grow. Much like I teach my students to view their mistakes as learning opportunities. I must learn to not get discouraged when looking at the accomplishments of those in my PLN. Rather than focusing on what I'm not accomplishing I need to look at my Tweeps and colleagues as a source for ideas, inspiration, and support. I may never achieve what some of the master flippers have but I am doing more for my students today than I did yesterday or last year. My journey may look different and may even end in a different place but I am making it the right journey for me and that makes me a better teacher for my students.
I guess in the end I've learned to forgive myself for not being perfect. It's a lesson long overdue.