The Flipped Classroom concept takes what was traditionally considered to be “homework” and “in class work” and flips it. In a Flipped Classroom structure, students listen and view electronically posted lectures at home and come to class prepared with questions about the concept learned. Teachers are then able to utilize valuable class time to engage student learning, reinforce key learning points and address individual learning needs. For additional information on the Flipped Classroom take a look at the Flipped Classroom Infographic.
Pros of Flipping:
- The teacher is able to spend more time with student in the role of a facilitator and guide. Individual attention can be given to students that may be experiencing difficulties with the course work.
- Beneficial and relatively inexpensive, in some cases free, way to implement and utilize technology in the classroom to enhance the learning experience.
- Ability for teachers to share information, lesson plans and other resources.
- Establish collaborative learning environment between students and students and teachers. This methodology also draws parents into the process.
- The technology allows students to set their own pace for learning and can be utilized to accommodate individual learning style.
- Having the materials posted gives students flexibility to access the posts at their convenience.
Cons of Flipping:
- Students that do not have access to the technology and/or the needed equipment requirements will not be able to successfully complete the class assignments.
- Although students are able to set their own pace, the vodcasts are still recorded lectures. If the teacher is not an engaging speaker, the student will be just as disconnected, bored and/or frustrated as they would be sitting in a classroom.
- Unless taught critical thinking skills, students will become reliant on technology to provide easy access to abundance of information without knowing how to effectively use, apply and communicate the information.
I recommend the following websites for additional information regarding Flipped Classroom:
- Tech Smith http://www.techsmith.com/flipped-classroom.html: Great website. Offers best practice tips on what educators should consider prior to implementing the Flipped Classroom concept. The website also offers guidance on implementing Flipped Classroom on both a large and small scale.
- Arizona NBC Channel 12 – Arizona schools flipping homework, lectures: http://www.azcentral.com/12news/news/articles/2012/03/31/20120331arizona-school-online-flipping.html. I found this article to be interesting, because it provided an overview of the Flipped Classroom from the perspectives of educators, students and parents. It was interesting to see the commonalities in what they liked about the concept and the impact everyone felt had on student learning.
- Education Next – http://educationnext.org/the-flipped-classroom/: This article provides a detailed overview of the Flipped Classroom concept along with examples of how educators in school districts in different states have adapted and used the concept in their respective classrooms.
