Wheaton Warrenville South Educators Flip Their Classroom

The new school year is upon us, and CUSD 200 educators, who have worked tirelessly over the summer to improve instruction in order to enhance student learning, are ready to go! Two such educators at Wheaton Warrenville South High School, Mr. James Brennan, a social studies educator, and Mr. Jason Nowaczyk, the school’s Instructional Technology Coordinator, volunteered their time this summer to develop and implement a strategy designed to improve the classroom and to enhance the 21st century learning skills that are becoming more and more important with the rise of technology in society.

This relatively new strategy, called a flipped classroom, is used to improve instruction by “flipping” some elements of traditional classwork to homework. For example, instead of students attending a lecture during class, students can view the lecture online at home. Rather than always using class time for group work and discussion, collaboration and discussion can be flipped by using online forums. Students can also use the flipped classroom strategy to complete background research before coming to class. When students come to school, instead of spending class time attending a lecture, participating in a general discussion or going to the lab to research, they can now engage in higher level discussions and solve problems based on their outside work. The result is that students strengthen their critical inquiry skills and gain a more in depth understanding of the concepts being taught by their classroom instructors. More importantly, the flipped classroom strategy develops academic independence and an ownership interest in learning that will better prepare students for the challenges of college and career.

Mr. Brennan and Mr. Nowaczyk believe students who learn how to properly and effectively use technology can increase their learning in any class or subject. They understand that it is essential to create an environment to incorporate technology in the classroom that engages students in learning. The flipped classroom is one way to achieve this goal.

Thank you, Mr. James Brennan and Mr. Jason Nowaczyk, for your dedication to maintaining the rigor of your courses and high standards for your students. CUSD 200 educators, like Mr. Brennan and Mr. Nowaczyk, continue to incorporate new ideas and strategies to develop the 21st century classroom. We appreciate your efforts and the work of all CUSD 200 educators as they embark on this new journey to enhance the learning of our students!