Kevin Duden

I really like the concept and see the benefits but it won't work in my situation.

By possibly taking the spirit of a flipped classroom and try to apply what I can in my specific situation.

I'm sold on the idea if a flipped classroom but it wouldn't work for my situation in the prison; students don't have devices or access to the internet.

I can't apply this to my situation.  I can do part of it, i.e. having them review written materials prior to coming to class and then try to make the classroom setting as engaging as possible.

I really like the idea of this but sadly it won't work in my situation which is in a prison. One, noise on the living units is ridiculous, so they would never be able to find a quiet place. Two, each student (430) would have to be assigned a tablet. As close as we can come is what we're doing now, which is requiring the students to complete a module in an assigned workbook. They must do this before attending class.  The class involves lecture, discussion, and hands-on activities. The class gives additional information not covered in the workbook.

I could do better in this area especially in redirecting and using praise/ reinforcement.

Wording is very important, but sometimes a difficult habit to break.  I like the advice on how to rephrase if anyone has a question such as, "I'd like to answer your questions."  I have TAs handle the mock interviews and they will often ask those watching he interviewee if they have any feedback. I'm trying to get them to rephrase it to, "Tell him what he did well" or "What feedback do you have?" 

My supervisor is always stressing "engagement," which seems to be just another word for "active learning." I'm nailing it in some of my class sessions and not so much in others. There are some topics that don't naturally lend themselves to this concept

I realize that many of my class sessions need to be revamped to include more active learning opportunities.

Since students with learning disabilities are not covered by the law after they turn 21, I think any accommodations made for them should be made for all.  This will keep them from being stigmatized when other students find out they got special accommodations, it will keep any drama about it out of the classroom, and it's just plain fair to everyone.