Flipped Classroom Approach

What is Flipped Classroom Approach

Flipped classroom approach is the reverse of the traditional classroom learning method wherein the learners are given lecture in the classroom and given tasks or practice exercises as homework. In case of flipped classroom, the learners are given the study material to be read at home. The learners then come to the classroom to discuss the study material with the fellow learners and instructor for further understanding. Therefore, in the flipped classroom approach, the time in the classroom is spent on discussing the topic and performing more learning activities to deepen the understanding of the topic. After the class, the learners further assimilate the learnings via more online discussions, experiments, or real-life applications.

This instructional strategy uses a blended learning approach where we use both electronic media and conventional Instructor-led face-to-face instructional methods. The content that is given to the students before the class is the online digital content in the form of online lectures and videos. In the classroom, students discuss their learning with their peers or perform more learning activities and ask questions to the instructor and get their feedback.

In the flipped classroom approach, the learning shifts from being instructor-controlled to learner-controlled. In the traditional classroom teaching, the instructor controls the learning environment by giving the planned lecture in the classroom and homework for practice. However, in the flipped classroom approach, the learners read the content themselves, perform further learning activities like group discussions, scene-playings, experiments, real-life applications, etc. with their peers and the instructor guides them, as and when required. 

The learning in the flipped classroom in non-linearunlike in the traditional classroom, where the learning is linear. The linear learning program is one-directional and is mostly directed by the instructor. The learners follow the lesson plan and follows the sequence defined in the learning program. In the non-linear learning program, the learners do not follow a set learning sequence. Based on their learning preference and knowledge gained, they can choose their learning milestones to complete the learning program. In case of flipped classroom approach, the learners are not essentially controlled by the lesson plan or program structure.

To summarize, here are the differences between traditional and flipped classroom approach:

Hits and Flips of Flipped Classroom Approach

Hits

With the flipped classroom approach:

1. Learners are expected to become more responsible about achieving their learning results:It is a learner-controlled approach. Learners study the material before coming to the class and based on their understanding, they discuss, analyze, and question the content. 
2. Learners have more hold on the content:As the study material is given to the learners for learning and assimilation through electronic media, they can access the material and related content readily and at any time irrespective of instructor’s presence or availability.
3. The learning programs are efficient:In flipped classroom environments, learners get more time to interact with their peers, discuss the content, get guided assistance from the instructors, and self-practice and analyzing time. 

Flips

With the flipped classroom approach:

1. Lots of preparation is required:A lot of content needs to be prepared to be given to the learners before the classroom. Also, practice activities and possible discussion questions and answers need to be prepared for the classroom.
2. Success of learning program is dependent on learner:Most of the learning program activities are learner-centered in flipped classroom approach. Therefore, much of the success of this program is dependent on learners and their efficiency.
3. Learners have lots of dependency on digital media:In flipped classroom approach, lots of learning content is given to the learners in digital format before the classroom session. Also, for the post-classroom activities, the learners are required to practice, exercise, or discuss with their peers using digital media.