Flipped Classroom

 The flipped classroom is a newer and more popular instructional model, in which activities that are usually conducted in the classroom become home activities, and activities normally including homework become classroom activities. In the flipped classroom, the students become more responsible for the learning process and learning pace while the teacher helps the students rather than delivering information to them. In this model, students may be more satisfied with the flipped method, and student learning achievement and satisfaction can also increase. The flipped classroom is centered around students, and student-centered learning theories, like active learning and collaborative learning, can be fully utilized in a flipped classroom. This model has also been noticed because of its inclusion of improved technologies. 

This is a student preparing for their classes
before they begin. 

I had never heard of the flipped classroom method until I came to college. One semester, most of my classes were considered flipped classrooms. I enjoyed this because I felt like I was more prepared for the activities done in class and my homework. I would have to complete readings on the topics going to be covered in class, so going into class, I already felt like I had some knowledge of the content being covered. I also enjoyed it because I felt like it prepared me by giving me more responsibility. I wanted to be a teacher, so it was nice to prepare before my classes to allow me to have more success during the specified class time. I also do believe that it maximized my engagement with the course materials. I was able to gather my own knowledge before hearing what my professors had to say. Coming into class, I already had some knowledge, and my professors simply added more to my knowledge of the content. Flipped classrooms were something I had to get used to, but I truly did enjoy the methods of a flipped classroom. 

Parental Involvement

Parental involvement is a situation where parents are directly involved in different ways in their children's education. It also refers to how the parents can involve themselves and are involved by the school and teachers in the learning process of their children. Parents can also be involved by ensuring their learner is assisted in learning as much as they need. Parental involvement is more than just updating parents on their child's learning process, but also having the parents communicate with their child/children to have a healthy relationship with them. Parental involvement is extremely important in schools because that can encourage students so much in a genuine way. Having parental support can result in an inspiring, genuine process of mentoring and leading. It is also known that parental involvement can help improve student performance and restore parents' confidence in their children's education.

Parents helping their children with homework

I grew up in schools with many opportunities for parental involvement. My mother was a part of the PTA, Parent Teacher Association, and that allowed her to have a voice in my education. It also allowed her to be at my school throughout the day on different days. My parents' encouragement and involvement were so beneficial for me. They were always aware of events at my school or my school work. Having my parents involved in my education truly helped boost my success in my education. I believe that having parental involvement can really help motivate students to do better, and I also think it can help take some pressure off of some students. Most parents and/or guardians have been through school, so they have the knowledge to be able to support and encourage their children throughout their education. I believe parental involvement is crucial for a student's success, and I will do everything in my power to correctly involve parents in my future student's education.

Mental Health Care

Mental Health Care is important not only in schools, but in so many other aspects of someone's life. Mental Health is defined as, "a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community" (World Health Organization, 2004). This particular definition includes positive feelings of mental health, instead of recognizing it as a state of mental illness. Three components of mental health could include emotional well-being, psychological well-being, and social well-being. The effects of mental health interventions have shown to be positive. "Evidence from this review suggests that it is best to start early and intervene with the youngest children, particularly in broader areas that develop generic and social and emotional skills" (Oxford University Press, 2022). Mental health problems can cause students to have trouble learning, have difficulty completing tasks and concentrating, and have lower grades and become more distant from the school. Mental Health Care in schools could help prevent all these things and improve the lives of many struggling students. 

A teacher counseling/supporting
 a student's mental health

My experience with mental health care in schools is very fortunate. I grew up in schools with a very supportive staff and insightful school work. I remember being educated on mental health when I was in elementary school, middle school, and especially high school. I do think it is an extremely important factor for students to be educated on. I personally remember being taught key factors of mental health by my guidance counselors in my schools. We would meet once a month, and she would explain the importance of mental health. She also explained to us what it was. I grew up very fortunate, so my mental health was never a huge concern for me. However, learning about it throughout school has made me more aware of the concerns of mental health, and I think that has really benefitted me, especially as a future Elementary Education teacher. Mental Health Care needs to be involved in every school, and I believe teachers and students need to be educated on mental health.