The flipped classroom is a new method of teaching that is turning the traditional classroom on its head. Teachers report many benefits to using this non-traditional teaching style. Benefits include allowing students to learn at their own pace, making class time more efficient, and more. Read on to find out more about the flipped classroom method.
The full story
Every day, thousands of teachers deliver the exact same lesson in class to millions of students. Every night, millions of students sit over the exact same homework, trying to figure out how to solve it. The Flipped Classroom is turning this upside down.
How it works
Traditionally students listen to lectures and take tests in class and read textbooks and work on problem sets at home. In flip teaching, students first study the topic by themselves, typically using video lessons on YouTube, and then apply the knowledge by solving problems and doing practical work in class.
The benefits
Modern schools who flipped their classroom report many benefits:
- It allows all students to learn at their own pace as videos can be watched again
- It’s more efficient, as students enter the classroom prepared to contribute
- It enriches the lesson as more time can be spent on group work and projects
- Doing homework in class allows students to help each other, which benefits both the advanced and less advanced learners
Flipping also brings changes for teachers. Traditionally, teachers engage most with the confident students who ask questions. Flipping allows teachers to target the students who really need help instead of just those who are confident. Also, instead of instructing from the front, teachers ‘guide on the side’. This allows them to work more closely with individuals or small groups.
Teachers that are not great presenters, can use third party videos to explain the concept and focus on methods of teaching that suit their style, such as project work or experiments. Once video lectures are made available online, teachers don’t need to give the same lecture over and over again. Again, they gain more time to focus on the needs of their class.
Many scholars also argue that the flipped classroom model promotes equal learning opportunities as all kids get the same attention when doing their homework. Currently, kids with caring parents, older siblings at home or expensive private tutors, have a clear advantage over those who don’t.
What do you think?
Let us know what you think! If you were a teacher, tell us if this model would be possible in your classroom. If you are a student, let us know if you would prefer learning in a flipped classroom.
“I’m loving everything from the video, from the content to the calm and clear way he delivers the content!”
– Dwayne Samuels
Sources
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Classroom exercise
Would you try the flipped classroom method in your own classroom? Choose a topic and allow your class to study at home first. Provide them with some materials such as YouTube videos or an online lecture that you’ve prepared before you discuss the work in class and complete a class project together. Let us know if you see any benefits from this new method of teaching.
