About the Flipped Classroom Method

What is the Flipped Classroom method?

Direct instruction, such as a lecture, is experienced outside of class, usually through a video. Then classtime can be used for teacher-directed activities, clarification of concepts, and deeper-level discussions.
For a formal definition see www.flippedlearning.org

Is the flipped classroom something new?

The method was used in the 1800s by a West Point professor. Students came to class prepared with content so they could spend class time on higher-level thinking and in groups (Ramsey, M. 2014).

What are some pros and cons?

Pros

• More constructive class time.
• More self-paced learning.
• Teachers motivated toward technology implementation.
• Helps students in the 21st century use technology for learning and embrace higher-level thinking and application of knowledge.

Cons

• Up-front prep can be time consuming - should not use only prepackaged content.
• Students without home technology may have substandard experience.
• Software companies who advertise for the method may not be knowledgeable (Hertz, M. 2015).

What are some best practices?

Best Practices

• Decide on appropriate content to use as flipped - less theoretical.
• Use the method for only a few lessons at first.
• Keep videos to 10-13 min.
• Become proficient with an LMS.

Best Practices (cont)

• Present concept to students and families before implementing.
• Use classroom time for higher-level thinking activities and discussions.
• Get support from others who are using flipped lessons (Provini, C. 2014) (Raths, D. 2013).

What is your personal philosopy of this method?

I admit I have not personally used this method, though face-to-face grad school is a little like this. It makes sense to me that class time can be better spent in reinforcing lessons through activities rather than in giving or listening to lectures. And maybe once students see how much better classtime can be, they are willing to put forth the effort at home. I'm not sure whether students who are not willing to do traditional homework will do the advanced work required. But on the other hand, maybe those students aren't any worse off, and the ones who are willing are BETTER off.

Where can I see this method in action?

Many videos are available online to learn more. Here is one from a couple of the modern pioneers: Jon Bergmann and Aaron Sams: https://www.youtube.com/user/Learning4Mastery

Sources

• Bergmann, J. & Sams, A. (2011) The Flipped Classroom [video]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/user/Learning4Mastery
• Hertz, M. (2015). The flipped classroom: Pro and con [web log post] Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/flipped-classroom-pro-and-con-mary-beth-hertz
• Keep videos to 10-13 min.
• Become proficient with an LMS.

Sources (cont)

• Musallam, R. (2014). Should you flip your classroom? [web log post]. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/flipped-classroom-ramsey-musallam
• Provini, C. (2014). Best practices for flipped classrooms. Education World. Retrieved from http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/best-practices-flipped-classroom.html
• Raths, D. (2013). 9 video tips for a better flipped classroom. T.H.E. Journal, November 2013 Digital Edition. Retrieved from https://thejournal.com/articles/2013/11/18/9-video-tips-for-a-better-flippe...

Sources (cont)

• Raths, D. (2013). 9 video tips for a better flipped classroom. T.H.E. Journal, November 2013 Digital Edition. Retrieved from https://thejournal.com/articles/2013/11/18/9-video-tips-for-a-better-flippe...