Robert Adamo ‘25

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 In the past few years at Strake Jesuit, a method of learning has appeared in the Math Department: the flipped classroom. Rather than teaching the lesson in class, the flipped classroom system allows the lesson to be taught as homework via a prerecorded video on YouTube. In class, worksheets are handed out and completed as graded “exit tickets.” 

“It’s really helped me a lot”, Chuddy Okenyi, a Junior, said.“I have a much easier time understanding Math.” Another student, Baxter Hamilton ‘25, said “It’s good. I like this system more than the normal way.”  Sebastian Mendoza ‘25 said,“This way of learning is a lot better than the normal way of learning Math.” Overall, the students I talked to all had a positive view on the flipped classroom system. Many students cite the ability to work with their peers in class to understand the concepts they didn’t understand in the homework that prepares them for the exit ticket.

Another benefactor of this system at Strake Jesuit is Algebra 2 teacher Brian Hearns. He said, “I started trying to do the flipped classroom in 2012. I tried doing it again in 2018, and permanently started it in my class after Covid.” He also commented that it was good for confronting individual challenges students may have.

“It has gone really well, great for one on one questions and problems for students,” he said.

Could this system translate to AC or AP classes? 

“It is applicable to other regular Math classes,” Mr. Hearns said, “but not to all AP or AC classes due to the speed of the curriculum. I think it could be beneficial for certain lessons and chapter sections in those advanced classes, though.”

At Strake Jesuit, there are relatively few classes and periods that employ this unique system. Time will tell if the system gains new followers, at our school and beyond, especially if students who learned under it and enjoyed it re-enter the education system as teachers.