In a flipped classroom, the core elements that are fundamentally reversed compared to a traditional educational setting are lectures and homework.
The Flipped Classroom Model Explained
Based on the definition, a flipped classroom is a pedagogical model that flips traditional lectures and homework. This innovative approach changes the typical flow of information delivery and practice. Instead of listening to lectures in class and doing homework at home, students engage with instructional content before coming to class, freeing up class time for more interactive and application-based learning.
Traditional vs. Flipped: A Comparison
To understand what is flipped, let's look at the typical activities in both models:
| Activity | Traditional Classroom | Flipped Classroom |
|---|---|---|
| Content Delivery (Lecture) | Primarily done in class by the instructor | Primarily done by students at home |
| Practice/Application (Homework) | Primarily done by students at home, often alone | Primarily done in class with instructor/peers |
As the reference states, "The traditional lecture is viewed at home before class and homework activities are done in the classroom with the instructor present to guide students in their endeavors." This sentence perfectly encapsulates the flip.
Activities in a Flipped Classroom
At Home Activities
In a flipped classroom, students are expected to complete activities that traditionally would happen during class. This typically involves:
- Viewing pre-recorded video lectures: Watching short videos created by the instructor or sourced online, covering the foundational concepts.
- Reading assigned materials: Engaging with textbooks, articles, or other relevant texts.
- Completing preliminary quizzes or activities: Checking understanding of the material viewed or read before class.
These activities ensure students come to class prepared with a baseline understanding of the topic.
In-Class Activities
With the lecture component handled outside of class time, the classroom becomes a dynamic space for active learning. In-class time is dedicated to what was traditionally homework:
- Problem-solving: Working through challenging questions or exercises.
- Discussions: Engaging in deeper conversations about the topic with peers and the instructor.
- Group work: Collaborating on projects, case studies, or experiments.
- Activities requiring application and analysis: Using the knowledge gained at home in practical ways.
- Receiving personalized support: Getting immediate help from the instructor on concepts they struggled with at home.
This shift allows instructors to provide targeted support, clarify misconceptions in real-time, and facilitate higher-order thinking skills.
In essence, the 'flip' involves shifting the direct instruction from the group learning space (classroom) to the individual learning space (home), and transforming the group space into a dynamic, interactive environment where the instructor guides students as they apply concepts and engage in challenging tasks.
