When talking about education and classrooms, the teacher is always the centre of attention. They always deliver lectures and explain new concepts to the students, who listen and take notes. The students have to practise and apply what they have learned at home. This too is often done with little or no guidance from the teacher. This is a teacher-centred approach, where the teacher controls the pace and direction of learning.
However, in the 21st century, students have access to a wealth of information and resources online. The teacher-centred approach will not be the most effective way to engage and motivate students. Instead, a student-centred approach, where the students take more responsibility and ownership of their learning, will prove to be more suitable.
One of the student-centred approaches that have gained popularity in recent years is the Flipped Classroom Method. In this blog, we will explore what the Flipped Classroom method is, how it works, and what its benefits and challenges are. We will also discuss how to implement it successfully in your classroom.
What is the Flipped Classroom method?
The flipped classroom method, referred to as the inverted classroom, is a modern instructional method that offers student-centred learning. Putting it simply, in a flipped classroom, what is traditionally done in class is done at home. Similarly, what is done as homework is now done in class under the guidance of the teacher.
It is opposite to the traditional classroom, where the teacher provides new information to students. These are in the form of pre-recorded lectures, videos, presentations, tutorials, and other web-based material before the actual class. This method requires students to familiarise themselves with the new information and prepare for in-class activities ahead of time.
Class time, in the flipped classroom approach, is reserved for reviewing the topic. This is done while the teacher actively engages with the students through group discussions, collaborative coursework, and assessments.
How Does the Flipped Classroom Work?
The flipped classroom model is made up of two major components;
- The pre-class work
- The in-class work.
The pre-class work involves the students accessing and reviewing the learning material provided by the teacher, usually online. The learning material can be in various formats, such as videos, podcasts, slides, readings, quizzes, etc. The students are expected to complete the pre-class work before attending the class. They then come prepared with questions, doubts, etc.
The in-class work involves the students participating in various learning activities. This is to reinforce their knowledge of the topic. The teacher guides the students through the activities by answering their queries, helping them, and providing feedback. The activities can be in various types, such as –
- Discussions
- Debates
- Case studies
- Simulations
- Experiments
- Projects.
The students are expected to collaborate with their peers, share their perspectives, and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
What are the Benefits of the Flipped Classroom?
The flipped classroom model has several benefits for both the students and the teachers, such as:
- Creates an interactive learning environment where the teacher can spend more time guiding students. Teachers answer their queries, help them solve problems, and clear any confusion regarding the new topic.
- Instead of being passive listeners, students are encouraged to take on a more active role in their learning.
- It helps improve students’ engagement, and communication between the teacher and students as well as their peers.
- Allows the students to learn at their own pace. For example, they can rewind, pause, and fast-forward a video lecture as they want.
- It helps retain the focus and attention of the students during the entire lecture.
- It paves the way for deep learning when students process and reflect on new information and concepts on their own.
- It helps teachers to know their students better and identify why they are struggling and where they are excelling.
- The content created by the teacher can be used for several years.
What are the Challenges of the Flipped Classroom?
The flipped classroom methods also pose some challenges that need to be addressed, such as:
- A flipped classroom method requires a lot of planning and preparation from the teachers. These include creating or finding quality learning material, designing engaging in-class activities, and providing timely feedback.
- It requires a reliable and accessible technology infrastructure, such as internet connection, devices, platforms, etc. This is for both the teacher and the students.
- It also requires a change in mindset and attitude from both the teacher and the students. This is because they may be used to the traditional classroom model and may resist or struggle with the new expectations and roles.
- Clear communication and alignment of the learning objectives and outcomes between teacher and student is also a key requirement.
- Lastly, a Flipped Classroom method requires a consistent and effective assessment and evaluation system. These include quizzes, rubrics, portfolios, etc., to measure the student’s learning progress and outcomes.
How to Implement the Flipped Classroom Successfully?
The flipped classroom is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It may not work for every subject, topic, or class. Here are some tips and best practices to help you implement it successfully:
- Start small and experiment with one or a few topics or classes. See how it works for you and your students. You can also ask for feedback from your students and colleagues and make adjustments as needed.
- Choose the topics that are suitable for the flipped classroom. Include topics that are complex, abstract, or require a lot of practice or extensive application.
- Select or create high-quality learning material that is relevant, engaging, and aligned with the learning objectives. You can use various tools and platforms, such as YouTube, Khan Academy, to find or create videos, podcasts, slides, etc.
- Provide clear and detailed instructions to the students on how to access and use the learning material. Ensure they understand what to do before, during, and after the class and how they will be assessed and evaluated.
- Design interactive and collaborative in-class activities that challenge the students to apply, analyse, and evaluate their learning. You can use various tools and platforms, such as Google Docs, Padlet, Kahoot, etc., to facilitate the activities.
- Provide timely and constructive feedback to the students on their learning progress and outcomes. Don’t forget to celebrate their achievements and improvements.
- Monitor and track the students’ engagement and performance. You can use the data to improve your teaching decisions and strategies.
Conclusion
The Flipped Classroom method is a student-centred educational approach. It helps enhance the learning experience and outcomes for students and teachers. The flipped classroom method can create a more interactive, engaging, and meaningful learning environment. This is done by shifting the focus from content delivery to content application.
However, the flipped classroom model also requires a lot of planning, preparation, and support from the teacher. It also needs a reliable and accessible technological infrastructure. Therefore, it is important to consider the benefits and challenges of the flipped classroom model, along with careful and flexible implementation.
