A flexible learning setup is an educational approach that provides students with freedom in how, what, when, and where they learn, adapting the learning environment to suit diverse needs.
Based on the definition provided by Top Hat, flexible learning is fundamentally a method of learning where students are given freedom in how, what, when and where they learn. This approach shifts traditional educational structures to empower learners with more control over their educational journey.
Key Dimensions of Flexible Learning
Flexible learning is characterized by offering students flexibility across several core dimensions:
- How: Freedom in learning methods and styles. This could involve choosing between lectures, online modules, project-based work, group discussions, or independent study.
- What: Freedom in the content or pathways studied. Students might have options in selecting topics, projects, or specific courses that align with their interests or career goals.
- When: Freedom in pacing and scheduling. This includes self-paced learning, choosing when to attend sessions (e.g., synchronous vs. asynchronous), or setting personal deadlines within a given timeframe.
- Where: Freedom in location. Learning can occur in physical classrooms, at home, online, or in various blended formats, allowing students to participate from anywhere with internet access.
Designing Flexible Learning Environments
Creating a truly flexible learning setup goes beyond just offering choices; it involves intentionally designing the physical and temporal aspects of the learning experience. Flexible learning environments specifically address:
- How Physical Space is Used: Classrooms and learning areas are often designed to be adaptable, supporting different activities like lectures, group work, quiet study, or presentations. This might involve movable furniture or dedicated zones.
- How Students are Grouped During Learning: Instructors can form dynamic student groups based on interests, project needs, or learning levels, rather than fixed seating charts or predetermined teams.
- How Time is Used Throughout Teaching: Time can be structured flexibly, moving away from rigid schedules to allow for longer work sessions, shorter focused activities, asynchronous participation, or varied pacing depending on the learning objective.
| Aspect of Flexibility | Description |
|---|---|
| Student Freedom | How, What, When, Where students learn |
| Environmental Focus | Use of physical space, student grouping, time |
Practical Examples
Examples of flexible learning setups in practice include:
- Online courses with self-paced modules (When, Where, How).
- Blended learning models combining in-person sessions with online activities (Where, When, How).
- Project-based learning where students choose project topics and work schedules (What, When, How).
- Classrooms with modular furniture supporting various group configurations (Physical Space, Grouping).
- Offering multiple assessment options (How, What).
By addressing these dimensions of freedom and environment, flexible learning aims to be more student-centered, accessible, and effective in meeting the diverse needs of learners in the modern educational landscape.
For further information on flexible learning approaches, you can explore resources like the Top Hat glossary entry: Flexible Learning Definition and Meaning
