A Flipped Classroom Approach

A Flipped Classroom Approach changes the dynamic of content acquisition and application, enabling:

• Students to gain knowledge and understanding before class
• students are supported to actively apply that knowledge during face-to-face class time.

This approach enables teachers to guide students to deeper thinking and higher levels of application.  This resource by the University of Texas at Austin provides a great guide to implementing a flipped approach Links to an external site..

Traditional Approach	Modern Approach

Benefits of a Flipped Approach

• Students learn more deeply
  As a result of students taking responsibility, interacting meaningfully and often with their instructor and peers, and getting and giving frequent feedback, they acquire a deeper understanding of the content and how to use it.
• Students are more active participants in learning
  The student role shifts from passive recipient to active constructor of knowledge, giving them opportunities to practise using the intellectual tools of the discipline.
• Interaction increases and students learn from one another
  Students work together applying course concepts with guidance from the instructor. Increased interaction helps to create a learning community, encouraging them to build knowledge together in the classroom and online.
• Instructors and students get more feedback
  With more opportunities for students to apply their knowledge and therefore demonstrate their ability to use it, gaps in their understanding become visible to both themselves and the instructor.

Techniques for a Successful Flipped Approach

• Outline expectations early, state goals and give clear instructions
• Use Active Learning frequently/consistently
• Start with low stakes activities and build up with experience
• Remove non-essential content and consider what can be done outside of synchronous class (OERs)
• Don’t do too many activities or rush through material - more time on less material
• Ask students to introduce themselves in their groups – sets expectation and builds rapport
• Design activities with genuine value in collaboration

The video below provides a detailed overview of a flipped classroom approach: