No Homework, No Lectures at New Milford High School [POLL/AUDIO]

NEW JERSEY 101.5

Teachers at New Milford High School are taking a "flipped" approach to educating their students. There are no lectures during school hours, and they've done away with assigning homework.

Under the revised model, teachers give their lessons through a quick, online video that their students can watch at home or in the car. Then, when the students come into class, they apply the new concepts through hands-on, interactive activities.

"I've already seen results," said math teacher Kanchan Chellani. "Students love being engaged and being able to talk, as opposed to coming in silent and raising their hands."

Chellani said many students give up on their assignments at home when they get stuck, but when all the real work is done in the classroom, a struggling student has a teacher and peers at an arms-length away.

About ten percent of teachers at the Bergen County school are utilizing the new teaching model, according to Principal Eric Sheninger.

"Students are finding more value in spending less amount of time focusing on their classes outside of school, and more time doing relevant, meaningful work in class that's helping them master the concepts," said Sheninger.

Both Sheninger and Chellani cited praise from students and parents.