From the beginning, educators highlighted the flaws of the NAPLAN and its Victorian predecessor test. Prominent educators, unions, researchers and professional groups all made their misgivings known. But there was no stopping the mostly lawyer trained politicians on this simplistic, wasteful, distracting and ill-advised path. And there was no stopping the former federal education minister turned Prime Minister once she got together with the Chancellor of New York schools (both lawyers) and there was no stopping the momentum, even though all the accolades for New York were awarded far too early. Curricula has been severely distorted towards NAPLAN, school-based educator knowledge has been devalued. Time for educators to take over again and somehow keep the politicians in the discussion, but to ask questions and listen and learn only, then to provide the resources to the areas to which the educators give priority.

— Ken Thompson on Award-Winning Author Sits Naplan Writing Test. How Does She Go?

Thanks Melanie - I agree especially with "The real ‘flip’ needed in classrooms is in the power dynamic between students and teachers." I have used flipped learning as a catalyst for change in my classroom, using an "in-flip" method where students watch the videos in class at their own pace and are free to work through material as they like - it changes everything! The reality in school is that students need to get some info on material and who better to do that than their teacher - the question for me was, is this demo better in a video they can watch and re-watch (or fast forward!) in their own time, or is it better me explaining this live? For me in most cases it is the first option. Additionally, that demo is ready to go for 2019 and my course material is done! I use a platform that embeds quizzes to check for understanding during the video so I can see where every student is at and who needs my help. I can speak to every student in my class, every day. I understand your thoughts, just wanted to offer another view as flipped learning has been a game-changer for the better for my students.

— Greg on Is Flipped Learning Looking At Education The Wrong Way?

With ‘flipped learning’ so often being bandied around as ‘cutting edge’, ‘dynamic’ pedagogy, as a teacher, your article so powerfully helped me clarify my fundamental concerns about it. Why on earth would kids want to spend any more of their time watching my face, listening to my voice, essentially lecturing them via screen as an extension of their learning day?! I can see how, with a crowded curriculum it could be seen as a way to cover more... get more done. Though as the article, which is clearly well-researched, clarifies - flipped learning seems to be far less progressive and student-centered than some of its fans believe. Thanks for the article. A great read.

— Jbrowne on Is Flipped Learning Looking At Education The Wrong Way?