Kevin Duden

I work in a prison school and we have a standardized test all teachers use, but it does include T/F, multiple choice, and matching answers. I think the system can handle other types like completing the sentence but you have to add in several possible answers for it to score.

I tend to like my classes to move pretty quickly to keep the flow, so slowing down and giving students time to answer a question will take some effort on my part. I also direct many questions to the group and will try to deliver them to individual students because I have definitely noticed more confident students taking over. I also ask if everyone understands too much and will try to break that habit.

Due to my situation, a prison school, none of the students can have access to the internet. So, the only real technology I can use is PowerPoints and videos. I do have access to a school web (intranet) that has thousands of videos but it would take some planning to figure out how to incorporate those into my sessions.

I start every session with "dad" jokes that kind of relate to the subject but can see the value in having some kind of activity as a "hook."

I really like the concept and see the benefits but it won't work in my situation.

By possibly taking the spirit of a flipped classroom and try to apply what I can in my specific situation.

I'm sold on the idea if a flipped classroom but it wouldn't work for my situation in the prison; students don't have devices or access to the internet.

I can't apply this to my situation.  I can do part of it, i.e. having them review written materials prior to coming to class and then try to make the classroom setting as engaging as possible.

I really like the idea of this but sadly it won't work in my situation which is in a prison. One, noise on the living units is ridiculous, so they would never be able to find a quiet place. Two, each student (430) would have to be assigned a tablet. As close as we can come is what we're doing now, which is requiring the students to complete a module in an assigned workbook. They must do this before attending class.  The class involves lecture, discussion, and hands-on activities. The class gives additional information not covered in the workbook.

I could do better in this area especially in redirecting and using praise/ reinforcement.