1. Flipped Instruction Description

64. Barometer
Definition
The barometer method gets a measure of students’ opinions by asking them to stand on a line from 0 to 10 (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = unsure or conflicted, 10= strongly agree).
Benefits

• 
  Students tend to find this a non-intimidating way of sharing their opinions.
  
• 
  Can be a good way of getting students talking. Once they stand on the line, you can ask them to explain why they stood where they did.
  

Challenges

• 
  It may be beneficial to prevent students from taking a neutral “I don’t know” stance without sufficient defence of this position.
  

Theoretical Link
Critical theory: The barometer could be paired with critical theory if students critique assumptions in society with a focus on the perspectives of marginalized groups.
Examples

1. 
   Introduce a complex or controversial issue through a book, video or class discussion.
   
2. 
   Ask students to stand on an imaginary line from 0 to 10 representing their opinion.
   
3. 
   Place students into three groups based on their position in the line: agree, unsure and disagree. Have the three groups present their 5 best arguments to the class.
   

65. Cognitive Tools
Definition
Cognitive tools are educational technologies designed to promote thinking beyond what a student can do without the technology. This might include using wearable technologies to help students map out their own movements to then test their knowledge of geography, use of excel sheets to create financial estimations, etc.
Benefits

• 
  Educational technologies can help us do things we couldn’t do without them.
  
• 
  Can engage students who love computers and technology in learning tasks.
  

Challenges

• 
  Teachers must ensure technology use is focused on helping students learn more or at a higher level of critical thinking than if they didn’t have technology.