What is the flipped classroom approach? | Manaarah

Flipped classroom started in 2007; both Jonathan Bergman and Aaron Sams invented the model, as they both started recording their classes so that students can access them from home.

With time the flipped classroom model gained popularity, as it takes learning to a whole new level. In this article, we will cover all you need to know about this amazing approach. And we will also learn about the flipped classroom pros and cons.

What is a flipped classroom definition? And what is a flipped classroom model?

The flipped classroom is the method by which students learn and take classes from home and then go to school and practice what they have learned. This is completely different from the traditional method of attending classes at school and then practicing what they have learned via homework and projects at home.

This method uses the advantages of technology and mixes it with face-to-face interaction. With flipped classroom activities, students study the lesson or lecture at home then go to school with the questions they have for the instructor to do the homework.

 What is flipped classroom example? And how many types of flipped classrooms are there?

There are many examples and eight types of the flipped classroom approach, and here we will discuss four of them.

1-Conventional Flipped Classroom:

The first type is the traditional flipped class. In this method the instructor gives the students access to the lecture materials which usually are recorded videos and PDFs. Then when they go to school the teacher will test their understanding of the topic and knowledge.

This method increases the class interaction and encourages students to study and ask the teacher about what they don’t understand. Leading to a better learning experience.

2-Group-Based Flipped Classroom:

This one is similar to the previous one but instead of having each student practice what they learn individually in the class, they are divided into groups. So that they help each other understand the topic.

This method will help them learn how to work with teams, and help one another, explaining what they understand to the rest of the group which will make them never forget what they have learned. Plus this will encourage them to study more and challenge their colleagues.

3-Debate-Focused Flipped Classroom:

Teachers apply this method by giving the materials to study at home and then come to school and debate with the other students. This method will make them interact more and focus. Also, this will increase their understanding of the topic as they learn from the different viewpoints of their colleagues. another advantage to this method is that students will never forget the knowledge they gain from the classroom.

4-Discussion-Focused Flipped Classroom:

Like the other methods, students study the lesson at home then they go to school and discuss what they understand. This increases their understanding of the topic by learning from each other’s perspectives.

This method is suitable for subjects that have no right or wrong answer, the answer is all about the context and how students understand it from their own perspective. Like History, English, Politics, and Art.

How to implement a flipped classroom? And how to prepare students for flipped classrooms?

Here are the 6 steps to follow that will help you implement flipped classrooms in your classroom according to Jeff Dunn. 

1- Plan

First of all, you should choose the lesson that you want to apply this approach and what you want the students to learn from it.

2- Record

Now that you know what you want and the plan you will follow to illustrate the lesson, start recording the lecture. Ensure that you cover all the important information you want the students to learn.

Bergmann and Sams wrote in their book “do not make a video just for the sake of making a video. Only do so when you feel these are appropriate and necessary. It all depends on the educational goal of your lesson. If making videos better facilitate your instructional goal, then go ahead.”

3- Share

The next step is to share the video with your students and tell them that it is really important for them to study the lesson before going to school.

4- Change

After they watch the video they will gain the knowledge you want them to have and they will be able to discuss what they understand in the class.

5- Group

To make the process more effective, place the students into groups and give them tasks to practice their knowledge.

6- Regroup

After they finish the group activity, make students share what they have made with the rest of the class. While they are doing so new questions will pop up.

There are other strategies that you could follow like:

Active learning: let students study and allow questions in class, in group activities, and discussion.

Group learning: divide students into groups so that they can study together and explain what they understand to each other. Plus it will enhance their engagement in-class activities and give them confidence in themselves.

Problem-based learning: give them a problem and let them come up with the solution on their own.

Learning through Debate: let them discuss the topic together, each one taking from his own point of view. This will make them learn from each other.

Why would a teacher use a flipped classroom?

Here are some reasons why you better use flipped classroom:

•         Today students prefer to study from home rather than attending school and do traditional learning.
•         With flipped classrooms there is no specific time for studying, students can study any time they like, which is suitable for busy students.
•         Flipped classrooms help struggling students.
•         When someone doesn’t understand something they will simply rewind the video.
•         After the study, they will have some questions that they will ask their teacher, which will increase the student-teacher interaction.
•         It also helps the teacher to know what his students need.
•         Enhance student interaction with each other.

What are the challenges of a flipped classroom?

Everything on earth has its advantages and disadvantages that also apply to flipped classroom technique. Here are some of the challenges:

Overly reliant on student trust:

This method depends heavily on students and gives them a lot of responsibility. Yes, some students are eager to learn but you can’t ensure that all students will watch the video and study the material you provide them with.

Less face-to-face interaction:

Flipped classrooms depend heavily on technology like videos and recordings instead of face-to-face meetings.

How flipping the classroom can improve the traditional lecture? And what is the biggest advantage of the flipped classroom?

There are many advantages to the flipped classroom approach and here are some of them:

• the one-to-one time between teacher and student:

Each student will study on his own and then ask the teacher about what he doesn’t understand which will increase the interaction between the teacher and student.

• students collaboration:

Group learning or debating: it lets students interact with each other and help one another which will enhance their team working skills.

•  Students can learn any time and however, they want:

There is no specific time for studying and students could choose when to study which offers great help for busy students.

•  students to come to class prepared:

They study at home and then come to school with questions about what they don’t understand.

What is the difference between flipped classrooms and flipped learning?

Flipped learning is a combination between face to face education with online learning while flipped classrooms provide the learning materials for students to study whenever they like.