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Flipped Classroom Math Activity

  • Writer: Luis Actis
    Luis Actis
  • Mar 17, 2024
  • 4 min read

Calculating measures of center and identifying which measure best represents the data, can be a challenge for sixth graders. One of the predominant struggles with mastering this specific content is the vocabulary. Understanding and remembering the differences between mean, median and mode can be a struggle for young learners. Likewise, selecting which measure of center best represents the data adds another layer of complexity to the task, as it involves an understanding of outliers and various other real-world contexts.


The activity I created begins with a flipped classroom approach. A guided notes page is introduced, intended to review vocabulary and present it a fun visual way. This could be done prior to class or as a warmup to start the class. The QR code at the top of the page leads to a video hosted on Edpuzzle. In the video, prerequisite vocabulary is addressed and examples are shown. Students would follow along on their own device, filling in the notes alongside the video. At the end of the notes, the rationale for selecting the best measure of center is given. This portion can be used to preview the concept prior to the investigation or can be completed at the end to summarize findings. It should be noted that the video has built-in movie clips and visual elements, only possible through this medium, that makes the content accessible and engaging to all learners.


The second part of the activity is broken up into two distinct components. The first is a measure of center card game where students use two different virtual spinners to play against an opponent. The QR codes at the top of the page each lead to a different virtual tool. One is a virtual card deck to create the data for each player. The second is a virtual spinner that determines the measure of center for each player. The objective of the game is to see which player can get the most points. The score is determined by calculating the sum of the measures of center after all eight rounds. The idea is to practice calculating the mean, median and mode of a set of varying data in a fun and engaging way. Some of the strategy in the game comes from using the player’s choice option on the spinner, to select a measure of center that is the most advantageous for the player. At the conclusion of the game, students would move on to the investigation which guides them through various real-world scenarios. By providing scenarios involving outliers, students can discover the effect of such outliers on the mean, presenting a case for the median as the better representation of the data. Likewise, the case for using the mode in a survey or voting scenario is explored.


To conclude the activity, two differentiated practice pages are offered. The first option has an Edpuzzle video with embedded questions that mirror the ones on the sheet, accessible via the QR code at the top of the page. The self-graded digital questions, that automatically pause the video along the way, provide frequent checks for understanding as well as instant feedback to students. It also gives me, as the teacher, real-time data of which students are making sense of the content and which students need more one-on-one support.  The other practice page option is slightly more challenging, without video supports. Regardless, both practice options help to reinforce the content learned and can even serve as a formative assessment, if needed.


In terms of the level of student engagement, how students use the available supports is a good indicator. From the initial guided notes, students have the option to follow along using their iPad to annotate or use paper and pencil to do the same. This flexibility allows for quick adaptation, if the technology is not available on the day the activity is to be used. During the notes, students naturally begin to group themselves as they begin choosing what supports they want and need, to learn the new content. After playing the card game with a partner, some students will choose to quickly move through the investigation on their own, while others will continue working with that partner to help them discover the best measure of center. Students should have the option to work with others who are following a similar path based on comfort level with the content.


At the conclusion of the activity, the real-time feedback I get from the embedded video questions will help guide me towards those that needs more one-on-one support. Any teacher intervention I provide also helps to mitigate behavior issues that originate when students feel lost and confused. In the event I cannot use these technologies, the answer key can be distributed to small groups to check for understanding. The answer keys, with work, provide good justifications for the answers beyond simply checking for accuracy. They can help students understand what they should do and why it works, helping to reinforce the topic regardless of technology access on that day. Of course, there’s no perfect substitution for the virtual supports provided in this activity but there is enough there for students to still master the content.

 
 
 

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