"End of the Year Final Exam" Blog Post

Dear Student,

If you're reading this letter, I bet you've heard all about the flipped classroom. But whether or not these stories or rumors bring about positivity or negativity all depends on you. The flipped classroom is very different from a traditional classroom setting because it involves more independence and drive (as in get ready to manage your own work schedule). What you can expect to see is a lot more computer use in your life--not that you don't already do enough of that *cough* facebook/tumblr/twitter/instagram/flickr/youtube *cough*--through various websites that will be used throughout the school year. In the beginning you might feel very stressed especially once Mrs. Kirch asks for you to create your own blog or mentormob, but don't fret, in time you will get...it.
The first few weeks of the school year will be all about your rate of adjustment. Because the flipped classroom requires you to do nearly all of the learning at home, "homework" (which for your benefit to know is ACTUALLY, PQs, PTs, Quizzes, WPPs, Student Videos, and Student Problems) must be done in class. Go ahead, open your eyes a little wider, I know your freakin' out a bit because ALL of this is different from your previous math class. However, I assure you it is manageable as long as you stay motivated to do work day-in and day-out.

The best way to adjust to the flipped classroom is to master the inevitable struggle that all of us juniors/seniors face, time management. But of course! how could I forget, you're growing older, more independent, your parents finally let you have a boyfriend (girlfriend?)! and on top of that you've got all of your extracurricular activities and AP classes, well get ready to pile on the Math Analysis flipped classroom because this class is just as important--if not more useful--than going out to the movies on Friday. I remember at the beginning of my junior year when I struggled with this exact situation. If the task of creating a math blog and WPPs/Videos was not difficult enough, I had to stack that frustrating job on top of my AP classes, Red Cross Club, and Band activities. And well, knowing me, I am definitely technologically challenged. The first WPP I ever made took me all day (like hours on end) because I just couldn't figure out how to use the technology on my computer and phone!

But don't let my little mishap startle you, everything is rough at the start. With a little enthusiasm, a dash of dedication, and a load of hard work, you'll make it through this year before you know it! Just make sure to keep up with all of the videos and WSQs every night and ask plenty of questions! The work load that Mrs. Kirch gives may seem tedious and overwhelming but you certainly will learn A LOT :)


Sincerely,

               Tiffany Tran