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Flipping a classroom seems like something you would only hear about on some show on HGTV late at night, right? Well, it would probably make for a cool show and a lot of Instagram-worthy classroom pictures in the coming school year. However, the concept of a flipped classroom refers to the teaching methods used rather than the set-up and beautification process. In fact, the flipped classroom is defined more closely as a means of teaching through teacher-created videos and interactive lessons that are accessed outside of the classroom on personal devices (Tucker, 2012). This technology integration model incorporates both the traditional model of teaching while integrating the use of technology and technological devices in daily learning.
According to Mike Acedo (2019), the main goal of a flipped classroom is to enhance the learning of the students by focusing on the class time spent with students rather than on lecturing students. The flipped classroom requires teachers to record and post their lectures for students to view ahead of class to be prepared for the coming activities, projects, or discussions (Acedo, 2019). This brings great benefits to both teachers and students. Teachers are able to record a lecture without the constant interruptions that occur on a normal school day and students are able to access these lectures anytime and anywhere. With constant access and availability, students are able to complete their work even if they are sick or out of town. In addition, the flipped classroom also allows students to go back over lectures and activities to review and study for tests on their own time. The flipped classroom model makes room for teachers to be able to focus on the application and performance of skills and information rather than focusing almost solely on the delivery of information.
As technology continues to grow and evolve, so must also the classroom’s use of it. Inasmuch, the flipped classroom is one way that teachers can continually connect with students and parents. This model of teaching is one that requires some initial work and preparation of teachers, but overall highly benefits both students and teachers in the long run. As students become more self-dependent on their learning, they can then learn from their peers in the classroom by collaborating and communicating more effectively. The flipped classroom is an excellent method that teachers need to consider for their students. There are many different methods available for teachers to flip their classrooms including flipping lectures to online videos or flipping homework assignments to interactive lessons. Regardless of how the classroom is flipped, students can greatly benefit from focusing on the application of what they have learned in the classroom rather than glazing over during lectures.
One of the key pushbacks for flipped classrooms is the lack of sufficient technologies across all schools. So, while flipping the classroom may work for some schools and classrooms, not all classrooms will be able to effectively use the flipped model. For example, Title I schools may not have adequate technology in the schools and the students may not have access to the internet and technology at home. This would stifle the ability to use a flipped classroom model. However, students should still be allowed the access technology in the classroom, if possible, to complete interactive lessons. Another pushback is the age appropriateness of the flipped classroom. Younger students will likely not be able to use a flipped classroom in the same sense as older students. However, with apps like Flipgrid, younger students are able to participate in conversations with their peers and be exposed to video recording technologies. With this in mind, teachers must consider their audience and the needs of the students prior to flipping the classroom.
References
Acedo, M. (2019). 10 Pros and cons of a flipped classroom. Teachthought. Retrieved from https://www.teachthought.com/learning/10-pros-cons-flipped-classroom/.
Tucker, B. (2012). The flipped classroom. Education Next, 12(1). Retrieved from https://www.educationnext.org/the-flipped-classroom/.
The University of Texas at Austin, (2019). Flipped classroom. Retrieved from
https://facultyinnovate.utexas.edu/flipped-classroom.