- Effectiveness of Imparting
- What Exactly is a Flipped Classroom?
- Visiting the Flipped Classroom Process
- Reason Behind Flipped Classrooms
- Bringing About Change Through Flipped Classrooms
- How Teachers Can Approach Flipped Classrooms?
- Resources for Flipped Classrooms
- Pros and Cons of Flipped Classroom
- Examples of Flipped Class
- Why Make the Shift, From Traditional to Flip Classes?
- Latest Posts
Flipped classrooms are gaining popularity due to the impact it has. Students find flipped classroom better and more interactive.
Education is a field that constantly evolves. There are traditional techniques and new ones, a blend of old and new methods, and so on. There are constant changes in the field. As a result, students get the opportunity to work on various ways of understanding topics.
One such technique that involves a blend of the methods is flipped classrooms. Flipped classrooms provide a way of revisiting the old school method. In the case of classroom-based learning, it was teachers who played a major part. In the case of flipped classrooms, teachers, students, and parents are involved as well.
When it comes to knowledge, there is no “best” way of imparting it. It is done in several ways and usually depends on the person imparting it and the student. It depends on the teacher since the content is in their hands. The way they frame it is the first impression of the content. Hence, creative ways are usually suggested.
Effectiveness of Imparting
Now, it depends on the students’ since each student learns in a different way. A student may be a visual learner, auditory learner, or maybe a different type of learner. Regardless, the challenge doesn’t lie in the student and the method. It lies in the way and effectiveness of imparting.
Parents play an important role as well. When students are faced with homework issues, they usually turn to parents as the teachers’ aren’t available. Parents also engage and try to keep up with what is taught in class. Parent engagement can lead to further student engagement and development in class.
Traditional based learning may depend on two factors, the teacher and the classroom. However, blended forms of learning require the participation of a lot of other factors. Factors that aren’t usually deemed necessary in traditional forms become necessary for other forms of learning to function. One such example is flipped-classes.
What Exactly is a Flipped Classroom?
A face to face interaction with students and teachers within a classroom is a way of teaching that is usually seen. The concepts are introduced in class, students are exposed to the information. Once the teaching is done, they are assigned “homework” to further stress on the topic outside class.
In the case of a flipped classroom, as the name suggests, the place of introduction is flipped. The students are introduced to the topic at home and further learn about it in school. It is a varied approach compared to the usual form of teaching. Here, the topic introduction is taken from a group learning phase to an individual learning phase.
In this method, a blended form of learning is used. An individual form of learning is encouraged along with the use of technology to impart the topic. The concept lies here, with students having a small understanding or some knowledge of the topic before they come to class. In class, they are asked to review their queries and learn additional topics.
Flipped Classroom
Homework
The idea that students will rethink and ponder about the topic learned when they have resources available to learn more is the one that upholds flipped classrooms. Students can further ask teachers regarding the topic and have a revision of the sort, compared to their early introduction of the topic. This helps when students have a problem revisiting the topic and doing the work in the case of homework.
In a flipped classroom, this difficulty in revisiting is taken out. Here, the help and the actual learning occurs during revisiting. This leads to increased retention and understanding of the topic.
Traditional based leads to a problem where students have difficulty in remembering and revisiting the topic when doing their assigned “homework”. They are out of resources as well as their parents are usually not informed of the same. Hence, this may lead to an absence of motivation. In the case of flipped classrooms, students have access to resources at the time where learning occurs better.
Visiting the Flipped Classroom Process
What is a Flipped Class?
For a teacher viewing this article, the main question burning at the back of your mind might be “what is a flipped class?” and “how do I implement it?”. As best classrooms do, a flipped class involves more interest and effort from the teachers. The result is that students benefit greatly when teachers involve themselves in the learning process.
To answer the “what is a flipped class?” question, a simple approach can be taken. The idea that students learn new topics in class and get assigned homework is put aside. A newer idea where students have introduced a topic outside class is used. Time inside a class is used to assess this very topic and learn more about the same.
For a student looking to understand what a flipped classroom is, its a reversal of classwork and homework. Earlier, classwork was dedicated to newer topics and being introduced to them. Homework was more about the assessment of the topic and additional learning. In the case of a flipped classroom, students review lecture materials or study material before class. In class, discussion and interactive group work take place for better understanding.
For the “what is a flipped class?” question to have a complete answer, the question of learning material needs to be answered. What sort of learning materials are used by students? How are they really introduced to topics? Learning materials, in fact, can be recorded lectures, talks, and podcasts, reading sections, and so on. It is basically the material that the teacher finds fit for the students to understand the topic.
Reason Behind Flipped Classrooms
The entire idea of flipped classrooms could’ve started from a simple observation, really. Students needed teachers present to answer their queries. Whether it is regarding a lesson or a topic or any extra information. That was one key form of learning. However, students really needn’t need a teacher present to hear a topic for the first time.
While it sounds totally different from the usual classroom scenario, it is true. Students tend to learn topics from lecture videos, educational videos, and many instructional videos. Their ‘teacher’ in the form of content that they intake, in order to learn the topic. This observation may have further lead to the entire concept of flipped classrooms.
When students watched recorded lectures or podcasts as homework and took the time to learn the topic, changes were observed. In class, time was reserved for practical work. Labs, group activities with teachers, and other students helped retain the topic in a flipped class.
When students were in control of the material they could study and the timing, it was observed that they showed better understanding. Although the teachers did the major work of choosing out the material, sometimes the students could do it as well. This method is centred around the freedom that students had material-wise and the result of the same.
Flipped classrooms are so much more than the materials that students use. It involves the teachers, the students, and the time it takes for flipping the classroom. Evaluation of the pros and cons, the overall result, and how it helps the students is also done. Overall, certain main reasons as to why classrooms are flipped are,
1. Students are Active and Tend to Understand Newer Forms of Teaching
It is similar to the out of the box thinking, but education-wise. Students tend to learn that newer topics and materials can be consumed in different ways. Be it visual auditory, via books or recorded lectures, and so on. The possibilities of different forms of learning become prominent
2. Teachers aren’t Restricted to Their Desks
In most classrooms, we have a view of the teacher glued to her desk, and the students following the instructions. However, with flipped classrooms, the entire role of the teacher changes, and they are actively involved. Students tend to get their doubts cleared and learn the concept easier. Teachers also get to innovate new forms of learning
3. The Definition of “Homework” Changes
While homework has always been about students being assigned a task, in flipped classrooms it’s the other way round. Students learn new topics in a way that they find better to remember. Parent involvement can help as well, help them stay motivated and learn. Parent presence can also serve as a type of monitoring and assessment of their behavior.
However, the befits of the flipped class can only be truly attained when varied methods are used. Here, the core aspects are, the materials given and the in-class time. In-class time is precious as it can be used for personalized learning.
Approaches like flipped learning can require more time and effort due to the personalization involved. In terms of effectiveness, it does rank higher than the traditional form of learning. A teacher realizes, that in flipped classrooms, the content presented is not the main area of interest. It is the ways in which they can make the student want to involve in the topic is what matters.
Bringing About Change Through Flipped Classrooms
Flipped classrooms can be simplistically defined as “school work at home and homework at school”. However, the impacts of the same go way beyond the sentence. Flipped classrooms have a wide range of pros and bring about a lot of change n student development.
The improvement in the student experience is what compels teachers to try the methods of the flipped classroom. This enables teachers to enhance in-class experience. Considering the era of digital technology, flipped classrooms go hand in hand with it as well. Technology plays an important part in flipped classrooms, letting students use the necessary resources and learn as well.
Here are some changes that Flipped Classrooms bring about:
Allows Teacher to Remove Confinement to the Desk
Just like each student, each teacher has a unique way of teaching and using their ideas and creativity. Due to the technology that needs to be used in flipped classrooms, teachers look at other forms of teaching. They learn while looking at colleagues. They monitor students and see which materials are working best.
Teachers also get to explore various teaching methods and implement the same. It may vary with topics as well as some topics that may be taught better through a video, some in class, and so on. As much as the experience is different for students, teachers experience the same.
Elevates Student Interest
Given the time and age, the use of technology outside the classroom is a necessity. Students are used to accessing digital materials and education via the same should not be a hurdle. The flipped classroom method allows students to review the materials at their own pace, as many times as they want.
This removes the fear of queries or not being able to follow materials in class. When students get to replay and learn through the videos or suggested material, they tend to focus on their own pace. A system of monitoring between students and teachers can ensure that the materials are used in a disciplined manner as well
Parents are Actively Involved
By looking at the videos that their children go through, parents have an idea of the topics being discussed in class as well. In the case of traditional forms of learning, homework usually had the children in a worry. Busy and working parents would find difficulty in helping with homework due to the information gap in between.
However, when parents stay up to date with what is being taught, thanks to digital resources, the information gap gets bridged. Parents can be actively involved and teach certain concepts as well. Homework struggle would no longer be a thing as the students do homework in class.
It is a necessity to ensure that the materials required for studying are accessible by all students and parents alike.
Opportunity to Develop Skills, Along With Peer Learning
In a traditional class, one could have problems such as losing interest over a time span of 30 minutes. Classrooms could be filled with yawning children if it weren’t for the idea of flipped classrooms and varied methods. With flipped classrooms, students can review online lessons and talk about them with their peers in class.
Since in-class time is dedicated to group projects, learning, and peer reviews, the engagement activity is high. Rather than sitting at their desks and listening, students engage actively in stuff. This turns into a two-way communication instead of just a one-way receiving end as in lecturing.
With flipped classrooms, the role played by students goes from being passive listened to active constructors of the information given. This change is radical and can have lasting effects, throughout their school year. This may also give way to newer forms of thinking and varied methods of teaching, like flipped learning.
More opportunities are provided for better understanding and implementation. When teachers see the student’s understanding of the topic and assess the same, they are able to find out areas that require work. They can help students review and understand topics along with their peers.
How Teachers Can Approach Flipped Classrooms?
It can be quite challenging for a teacher to engage in the ways of a flipped classroom. Not only does it demand extra hours, it demands personal involvement as well. Flipped classrooms promise an overall development of the student and fr the same, teachers need to put in their maximum efforts.
Teachers can always start by looking at the course material. If the material books, they can redesign the same and think of broader options. How else can the course content be modified? In which way can the content be demonstrated and understood efficiently? Although the answers to these questions require assessment over time, the questions can be initially taken into consideration.
Once the initial understanding of the course and its modification is done, the next steps to be followed to approach flipped classroom concepts are:
- Identify which Topics in the Course Work Best With the Flipped Classroom Approach
It is known that there isn’t a “fits all” form of learning when it comes to teaching. Only when the course content is handled with various forms of teaching, it becomes effective. The material is imparted well. Each topic requires a different approach to teaching.
In such cases, work out the topics within the course that fit the flipped classroom form of instruction.
If there are activities that there is less in-class time for, or needs more attention for, such things can be used in flipped classrooms. All the questions and information need to be student-based. the topics that flipped classroom approach can be taken for, is decided. - From Teacher, to Guide in Class
In flipped classrooms, your position as a lecturer changes to a guide or someone who constantly images with in-class sessions. The barrier that exists between students and teachers must dissolve for an effective flipped classroom. Within a flipped classroom, one can utilize various collaborative teaching methods.
The ultimate result must be beneficial to the students. When an approach that works best for teachers and students is taken, the added advantages of the flipped classrooms will be higher. - Decide the Content to be in Class and out of Class
The main idea of flipped classrooms is the flip between in-class topics and homework topics. Teachers need to weigh in the expected results of teaching their course units. Teachers also need to decide which content needs to be assigned as the “homework” and which activity is better as an “in class” assignment. Addressing issues like the curse content that needs to be worked on more might give clarity as well.
The way in which the material is given must have the students handling it without extreme hurdles. Teachers also need to make sure of the requirements that students need before in-class sessions. With flipped classrooms and reversal of roles, the deciding of which content goes where is the main part. - Acquiring the Content Required
Flipped classrooms are all about the content, besides the main shift of homework and classwork. The type of content that is being circulated makes a huge impact. Whether the content is proper and explains all the required concepts, or if its extra and requires additional materials are just some of the things to keep in mind,
The material provided must be easily understood.
It must be of varied forms as well, such as videos, ebooks, podcasts, instructional pages are some of them. When exposed to various methods, students learn to adapt to the same. simulations and demonstrations can also help students reflect on how effective they found the materials to be. - Monitor student Progress and Practiced Discipline
In flipped classrooms, the teacher’s effort to do all this is tested when students access the materials. Timely access and utilization are important. Under flipped classrooms, since there is really no one to monitor if the content is properly taken in or not, there might be a gap.
Teachers need to hold students accountable for their own progress. There must be discipline in access and use of materials, timely submission of any assignments as well. Grade or no grade, proper access, and genuine interest can lead to student development in many ways.
- There’s Room for More Collaboration
Even though there’s a collaboration between teachers and students in in-class activities, there is room for more forms. Students can collaborate amongst themselves in group-based activities. Group projects and other collaborative forms of learning can be assigned.
Students may gain knowledge during access to the course content, but the extra practice is a good thing. Extra practice when combine with collaborative activities leads to the gain of additional skills along with the practice of course content.
Creating discussion groups, assigning additional readings, peer-based assessments, and reviews, creating knowledge-based assignments are some of the ways. In the case of immediate feedback and extra materials, online systems can be used. A blend of offline and online teaching strategies can also work toward enriched student learning experiences.
The impact of flipped classrooms can be seen over time. Even though initially, the students may take time to adjust, with teachers struggling as well. Over time, the concept is understood and teachers learn to cope better with the facilities given. Students also learn to engage in this blended format of learning.
However, before it all, a teacher needs to have an open mind about methods and the entire learning experience Encouraging students to do their best when they are struggling to understand a concept or suggesting other methods of understanding expands upon concepts. Teachers who make use of digital facilities and teach students to d the same can make the most of flipped classrooms.
Resources for Flipped Classrooms
The technology used for the lecture imparting and the in-class activity turns out to be the most important parts of flipped classrooms. However or these two to function, the gap in between is filled by resources. Teachers and students utilize these resources to access materials and bridge the gap that exists between them.
The traditional form of learning which led to limited interaction is turned around in this case. Along with developing such collaborative skills, the prevalence of digital media plays a major role. Increased student access to technology is a major key to the success of flipped classrooms.
The digital platform provides endless possibilities for a flipped classroom. Embracing the flipped classroom idea requires all the students to be on the same platform and resources used as well. Accessibility of resources plays a crucial role.
Some Resources that Can Be Used for Flipped Classrooms are:
| Learning management system | This can be used to monitor the progress, receive, and grade assignments. Can also be used to conduct small tests. |
| Video Creation tool | As a teacher, in the case of combining videos from different platforms, these can be used. Interactive videos which explain sophisticated lessons easily can be created |
| Video Filming tools | Tools that allow filming videos in good quality and enable easy handling can be used by both teachers and students |
| Communication platform | A safe and encrypted secured platform is usually required since there needs to be good communication outside the class as well. A platform to share the content and engage with students is an added advantage |
| Game oriented learning tools | Students tend to respond and learn better when content is introduced creatively. There are various platforms out there that present topics in a fun, gaming manner. These can be utilized by students. |
| Collaborative tools | Tools that allow collaboration between students and teachers, in the case of documents and discussions |
| Language learning tools | In the case of languages, teachers may enable using tools that have flashcards and interactive ways of teaching a language |
| Media presentation tools | For students or teachers willing to preset and explain material in class, tools that help create dynamic presentations can help |
While these are just some of the resources that can be used by teachers and students, better resources can be used as they come along. This digital age has majorly contributed to flipped classroom learning. Digital platforms provide a safe and secure way to access content whenever the student desires.
Not only does a flipped classroom lead to exposure in the case of materials used for educating, it focuses on providing a flexible environment. Students learn to adapt and learn things that are required for a professional mindset. These resources have a larger impact on students than lecture driven curriculum.
Pros and Cons of Flipped Classroom
With various methods of learning, comes its own set of advantages and disadvantages. A clipped classroom can have several pros and cons. To make the most out of flipped classrooms one must understand the four pillars of flipped classrooms.
The first pillar is to provide a flexible working environment. As in lecture-based classrooms, the furniture needn’t strictly adhere to certain positions. It must allow for group work and students must slowly develop a flexible mindset too. The idea is to take the multiple lectures in a day concept to actively involved education.
The second pillar is the learning structure. Teachers must let go of the “in charge” mindset. In flipped classrooms, while teachers do act as a guide, they are merely around for release activities. The pace of learning and the time is decided by the students themselves, which was the teacher’s job in the case of traditional learning.
The third pillar is Intentional content. Teachers are in charge of the content to be delivered. It is up to the teacher to decide which content is homework worthy and which requires more of in-class time. Prioritizing on in-class projects requires extra work, but allows revision and closer insight into the topic as well.
The fourth pillar is a professional educator. Besides the content, the teacher’s major job will be the assessment of the results throughout different stages of the flipped class approach. This highly active form of teaching takes a lot of effort and time. Instructors need to be completely dedicated to flipped classrooms in order to make the most out of it for the students.
Some of the Pros and Cons of Flipped Classrooms Include:
| Pros of Flipped Classrooms | Cons of Flipped Classrooms |
| The schedule of learning is decided by the students | The schedule of learning may not be the same for all students |
| The disengagement during lessons is reduced | Students may not be prepared to sit through lectures at times |
| Time is utilized for collaborative projects and in-class engagement | Individual learning is not given much importance |
| Assessment is done on various levels | Grade assessment is rarely done |
| Group projects require adjustment and time to work | Individual projects are usually not done |
| Access to curriculum materials is more flexible | Monitoring the access is required |
| Repetitive access to curriculum materials is possible | Digital technology access is a major requirement |
| Quizzes and interactive study materials can help | It may not be well suited for the entire classroom and depends on individual interests |
| Teachers and students work together throughout the academic year | Requires trust and effective communication at all levels |
| Students can learn the usage of digital tools for academic purposes | May increase the screen time of students when implemented during early school years |
The pros and cons of the flipped class let us know an overall review of how it could affect students. Some students may require technology to fully understand materials and some may prefer classes. Some teachers may find it hard to use technology and for some, it may be easier. Adapting to these pros of the flipped classroom may slowly eliminate or find alternatives for the cons that exist.
Under the appropriate circumstances and proper involvement, the pros and cons of flipped classrooms may ultimately lead to an overall good result. Ultimately, flipped classrooms [rpvide significant learning opportunities, provide feedback whenever possible and ensure proper understanding of the concept.
Examples of Flipped Class
A flipped class can have a plethora of combination of ideas and materials. There is no “fixed” way to flip a classroom. There are several examples of various methods used within a flip structure. These help to rotate within activities and also provide space and time or fresh activities.
The teacher needs to understand that the main idea of a flipped class is to ring about change in the way knowledge is imparted via various methods. These methods, when combined and assessed, can be selected further. Some examples of a flipped class include:
This is one of the most common flipped class methods. Here, a rotation between the materials- lectures, video lectures ad group activities are done. Students have an equal amount of online and face to face interaction.
This is a type of classroom where one on one sessions are given importance. Teachers assign materials and homework through learning management systems. Group activities are seldom held and one on one sessions with the teachers are scheduled for the students.
In this case, students are asked to create videos that represent their understanding of the materials. This can be done as an individual or a group activity. Teachers assess their understanding and progress through these videos.
In this example of a flipped classroom, students take complete control over the instruction material. They decide the hours to spend, the number of times to revisit a topic and there is lesser guidance from the teacher. This enhances collaborative skills while keeping the flip classroom idea in place.
These examples of flip classrooms give a fair idea of how they can be done. Several other examples of flip classrooms also showcase excellent methods that can be used by teachers. Ultimately, the teacher needs to decide, based on what is good and what works for students. An effective example of a flipped class plan is one that benefits the students and represents overall development.
Due to the wide variety of resources that can be utilized for flipped classes, the possibilities are endless. Tools like learning management system, video editors and recorders, lecture videos, slideshows, audios and so on are essential for flipped classes. A combination of these tools and methods can create examples of flipped classes.
Why Make the Shift, From Traditional to Flip Classes?
For a method that’s adaptive, flexible and effective, flip classes have definitely shown their added advantage over traditional classes. Students take more ownership of their own learning. This shifts the task of a teacher from a “task assigner” to a true educator. The teacher’s roles here could be maximal or minimal depending n the activities.
Instead of the industrialized, mainstream approach to learning, flipped classes pave the way to exciting opportunities. If one were to do a flipped class review, one might understand that the idea of a flipped class is not the only winner when compared to the traditional idea. A moderate to extensive review of a flipped class idea unravels the components that constitute the flipped class idea.
From the trust between teachers and students to the materials utilized, resources available, the technology used, there are various components that contribute to the success of flipped classes. The quality of assessments, the technology used, play a major role as well. It is the culmination of these smaller components that result in the overall success.
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