How can you communicate with parents about the flipped classroom?

1 Explain the rationale

The first step is to explain the rationale behind the flipped classroom and how it aligns with your learning goals and curriculum standards. You can use examples, anecdotes, or data to show how the flipped classroom can improve student engagement, comprehension, retention, and application of knowledge. You can also highlight how the flipped classroom can foster critical thinking, collaboration, and creativity skills that are essential for the 21st century. You can send a letter, an email, or a video message to introduce the flipped classroom to parents at the beginning of the school year or semester, and invite them to ask questions or share feedback.

2 Demonstrate the process

The second step is to demonstrate the process of the flipped classroom and what it looks like in practice. You can invite parents to observe a class session, either in person or online, and show them how you facilitate the in-class activities, monitor the student progress, and provide the feedback and support. You can also share some samples of the video lectures or reading materials that you assign for homework, and explain how you select, design, or adapt them to suit your students' needs and interests. You can also show them how you assess the student learning and performance, and what tools or platforms you use to track and communicate the results.

3 Address the challenges

The third step is to address the challenges that parents may face or perceive with the flipped classroom, and offer some solutions or suggestions. For example, if students lack access to technology or internet at home, you can provide alternative options such as lending them laptops or tablets, creating offline versions of the materials, or allowing them to use the school library or computer lab. You can also help students develop their self-regulation skills by setting clear expectations, deadlines, and reminders for the homework, and providing incentives, feedback, and recognition for their efforts. Additionally, you can ensure that the homework materials are appropriate for the students' level, background, and preferences, and that they are clear, concise, and interactive. Furthermore, you can provide additional resources such as glossaries, quizzes, or tutorials for students who need more guidance or practice. Finally, you can encourage parents to support their children by creating a conducive learning environment, monitoring their progress, praising their achievements, reviewing the materials with them, asking them questions, or directing them to other sources of information.

4 Seek the feedback

The fourth step is to seek the feedback from parents and involve them in the evaluation and improvement of the flipped classroom. You can use surveys, interviews, or focus groups to collect their opinions, suggestions, or concerns, and to measure their satisfaction and engagement with the flipped classroom. You can also share the student outcomes, such as test scores, grades, or portfolios, and show how the flipped classroom has impacted their learning and growth. You can also acknowledge the challenges or limitations of the flipped classroom, and show how you are addressing them or planning to overcome them. You can also thank the parents for their cooperation and support, and invite them to continue the dialogue and collaboration.