Clearfield Area Junior-Senior High School is experiencing challenges with the new school plan due to COVID-19. Students are going to class only every other day. Teachers have gotten creative this year with how they teach on these “virtual days,” days in which students have classes at home. Mrs. Barnett, one of our great art teachers, has created a unique “flipped classroom” style where she has the kids actually do a big part of the art projects in the leisure of their own homes. She was interviewed on her thoughts and feelings about this process.

She explains the process: “A flipped classroom is a blended method of learning where students are introduced at home and then practice through at school.” She explains that because of the restrictions with actually being in class with the students, this allows them to be working on something all week, keeping them productive.  Each student gets a kit of different tools and materials and is required to send her photos of their progress of the project every now and then. Other than being a lot of work for her, she agrees that it has been fruitful for her teaching.

Students have also responded very positively to this style of teaching. Lyndsai Salat, a student in her Ceramics I class, relates, “It’s definitely different. It tests our independence and creativity, but it’s still fun.” Angelo Maines agrees, saying that he would much rather do this kind of at-home projects than doing busywork with worksheets and such. Ally Hamm in Art Studio noted, “[It’s] an environment to explore and practice your art skills.”

It seems under the given conditions, Mrs. Barnett has found a creative and effective solution in her Art classes; the students are enjoying Art just the same as before.