Implementing Blended Classroom Pedagogy to Deepen Student Understanding in High School Biology

Abstract

The blended classroom model offers excitement and increased student engagement to an aging education system. The objective of this project is to demonstrate how teachers can best deepen student learning founded within 3 main focuses; first, transitioning away from passive lecture centered environments towards active student centered environments, second, to embrace technology as an educational tool, and third, to implement effective hands-on learning protocols. In this comprehensive literature review both benefits and concerns to applying blended classroom frameworks in a 9th grade living environment setting are addressed and reveal it’s effectiveness specifically stating higher student achievement and positive student perception. Complementing the literature review is a collection of designed lesson plans that support developing deeper student learning. The lesson plans are targeted for teaching at an urban school and follow the Rochester City School District science-pacing chart. Each lesson does not involve any class lecture and emphasizes learning through technology and hands-on experience.