Flipped Learning

What is Flipped Learning? 

According to the Flipped Learning Network (2014), “Flipped Learning is a pedagogical approach in which direct instruction moves from the group learning space to the individual learning space, and the resulting group space is transformed into a dynamic, interactive learning environment where the educator guides students as they apply concepts and engage creatively in the subject matter.”  In essence, the teachers “flips” the traditional approach of presenting and explaining new information in the classroom and assigning some sort of practice at home to the opposite.  The instructor asks students to read or view material on the new concepts at home and then uses class time to actively engage with the material through solving problems, group work, or other active learning models.   

What Does the Flipped Classroom Look Like? 

An instructor might create a video in which he or she explains a concept and assign the students to view it before the next class meeting.  This could be accompanied by a reading assignment from a textbook or an open educational resource (OER).  In the next class meeting, since the students have already had their first brush with the material, a minimal amount of time needs to be spent on explanation of the new material; rather, most of the class time will be spent on activities to strengthen the students’ understanding (Lesley University, n.d.).   

One of the advantages of this approach is that it maximizes the time students spend doing instead of listening (Lesley University, n.d.).  The flipped classroom is dynamic, with students working in small groups or individually on activities which allow them to apply the new ideas or analyze it. Thus, this approach affords the students the chance to work at those middle levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy under the guidance of the instructor.   

Two Caveats to Consider  

There are two potential drawbacks to consider before you implement flipped learning.  First, lack of access to a computer or to the internet may make viewing materials very difficult.  You will want to make sure that your students have the necessary access to technology before moving forward with this approach. The second issue is one of trust (Acedo, n.d.).  Successful implementation of flipped learning does require the students to do the pre-work, but of course there is no way to ensure this (Acedo, n.d.).    

References  

Acedo, M. (n.d.) 10 pros and cons of a flipped classroom. Teachthought.com. 

https://www.teachthought.com/learning/10-pros-cons-flipped-classroom/  

An introduction to flipped learning.  (n.d.).  Lesley University.   

https://lesley.edu/article/an-introduction-to-flipped-learning 

The Four Pillars of F-L-I-P™.  (2014).  Flipped Learning Network (FLN). 

https://flippedlearning.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/FLIP_handout_FNL_Web.pdf