Every Thing You Need to Know About Flipped Classroom

Posted by Robert Wilson on January 28th, 2019

The buzz about flipped classrooms has been going around for a while now and many are curious as it what it is and how it works. Many teachers are apprehensive about whether it is beneficial or not, and many tutors are unsure as to how they should carry out such lessons.

So, here’s what flipped classroom is about.

A flipped classroom is much different from that of traditional classroom teaching. Outside of class, students watch videos and other online materials which give detailed explanations of abstract concepts which is something like how a teacher would explain during a lecture or a tutor during tuition sessions. In class, students will work based on what they watched outside school hours; which includes participating in activities and discussions, and clearing the doubts with teachers and asking for clarifications from them. One of the biggest advantages of adopting the flipped classroom method is the teacher’s ability to provide suggestions, feedback or advice almost immediately, as well as to correct logical fallacies.

Another modification is the blended learning method which brings together elements of both traditional and flipped classrooms. Students may watch videos or use multimedia tools that explain or demonstrate concepts either outside the classroom or in the classroom, and teachers may also lecture and arrange enrichment activities in the classroom. This learning model covers multiple learning styles and this ensures that all kinds of students’ learning needs are fulfilled.

In a flipped learning setting, tutors can give skills-based instruction outside the classroom. For example, in English classes, teachers can get students to utilize vocabulary and grammar online drill programs to hone their skills, then use class time for much more rigorous activities such as timed essay writing practices, revision of topics and analysis of texts. Teachers can also create educational videos and share them with the class. This way, students will be very involved and engaged in the lesson when teachers explain a concept on screen. Students can also review the video and revise what they have learned outside school hours.

Math teachers can flip their classrooms by using videos to explain abstract mathematical concepts. Sometimes the visual aid is required to help internalise complex ideas as our mind will interlink our foundation knowledge with the images you see on screen and further build on the foundation to help you comprehend complicated theories.

Class time can then be used for large or small group activities that reinforce mathematical concepts and train students to be critical thinkers. These days school syllabus is being revised to ensure questions being asked in the examinations are of an increased level of higher order thinking. The combination of online-guided practice and observation by the teacher can help students not only better grasp fundamental math concepts but also see the fun aspects of it and understand its relevancy and manifestations in the real world.

When it comes to using flipped classroom method for science subject, the possibilities of designing that fun classroom environment are endless. This is because of the nature of the subject; it is fun, sometimes challenging but it is interesting and fascinating.

This flipped classroom teaching model is certainly not restricted to school teachers, and hence tuition centre teachers, as well as home tutors can use this. Using this method of teaching has numerous benefits and it is especially beneficial because it adapts to the changing times. Technology is growing in prominence every day and its crucial for the education system to evolve and adapt.