Explanation of the Flex Model
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The Flex Model of blended learning, has been used in alternative education centers in the United States for at-risk students, credit recovery and summer programming (Horn & Staker, 2015, p.41). In this model, content and instruction are delivered mainly online with a teacher on-site providing supports on an “as-needed basis through activities such as small-group instruction, group projects, and individual tutoring” (Watson et. al., 2014, p.12). These programs tend to have less rigid attendance requirements than the Rotation Model, allowing students to show up any time throughout the day to “learn via an individually customized fluid schedule among learning modalities” (Horn & Staker, 2015, p.47).
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Examples of the Model
Wichita Public School Learning Centers are an example of the Flex Model directed at at-risk youth and adult students - those that have dropped out or failed courses - in response to the district's low graduation rate (Mackey, 2010). Their Learning Centers utilise computer-based instruction under the direction of certified teachers, meaning students may come and go any time the school is open. Mackey (2010) describes the online content as advantageous for the following reasons:
According to Mackey (2010) the district’s graduation rate has risen “eight percentage points since the program first began in 1999” (p.ii).
- Permits students to enroll or finish the program at any time during the year and not follow a traditional school calendar;
- Offers students a wide range of courses and course levels without requiring a dedicated teacher for each level and subject;
- Allows students to learn at their own pace and preferred time;
- Enables the use of a mastery-based curriculum that ensures students are learning as they progress through a course;
- Provides rapid, unbiased feedback that allows teachers to intervene as soon as students begin struggling with a concept. (p. ii)
According to Mackey (2010) the district’s graduation rate has risen “eight percentage points since the program first began in 1999” (p.ii).
Suitability for Outreach
The use of storefront locations and open-space learning centers where students come and go according to no set schedule is the typical setting for Outreach schools. The main differing feature between the Flex Model example above and current Outreach school model is that the backbone of the Flex Model uses computer-based instruction or online learning modality to deliver the majority of the course material. Many of the advantages attributed to the online course material listed above can also be described as attributes of print course materials except for the last point. Print course materials do not allow for rapid feedback as the teacher interventions may be delayed days or weeks depending on when the teacher marks the materials or the student requests help in person.
Outreach teachers should strive for the ability to provide rapid feedback and the “just in time supports” that can be offered through online course-wares in the hope they prevent students from struggling and dropping out. Therefore, elements of the Flex Model have the potential to improve conditions at an Outreach school.
Outreach teachers should strive for the ability to provide rapid feedback and the “just in time supports” that can be offered through online course-wares in the hope they prevent students from struggling and dropping out. Therefore, elements of the Flex Model have the potential to improve conditions at an Outreach school.