• The flipped classroom is one of the most exciting
advancements in modern international education. It was
first proposed by Bergmann and Sams (2012).
• It hinges on the the idea that students learn more
effectively by independently studying concepts at home
using video resources. Class time is then used to reflect on
what they have learnt and to do exercises and applications.
• By flipping the classroom, the move is away from the
traditional "sit and listen" approach to a "do and learn"
approach.
Benefits of flipping the class:
• Learners can
take ownership of their learning. Through
laptops and mobile phones, they now have more
freedom over how, when and where they learn. In today’s
times, technology is an integral part of the way learners
acquire knowledge.
•
Learners can now engage with and master concepts at
any time since learning is not restricted to class time only.
They can
pause and rewind videos at any time thus
ensuring that all examples and exercises are fully
understood.
• By watching videos, learners will already be familiar with
content before classes. When the class begins, they can
spend their time collaborating with their teacher and
peers to solidify their understanding either individually or
in small groups.
• Allows for
effective differentiated learning. Advanced
learners can move ahead with the syllabus and start
working on extension assignments and solving higher level
problems. Learners who struggle can receive more
individual attention from their teacher.
•
Rushing to complete the syllabus is prevented since some
content can be independently studied by learners using on
line tasks. Allocating marks to these tasks will force
learners to be more serious about them.
•
Teachers can spot knowledge gaps early rather than
waiting for tests to see what the learners understand.
• Schools using this approach have reported
marked
improvement in results. More learners can now achieve
better results due to having
repeated opportunities to
master the content.
Steps for implementing the flipped classroom:
• There first needs to be a
buy in from learners, teachers
and parents. Communicating the value of flipping the
classroom is essential. It is a step ahead of the traditional
method.
•
Online video resources need to be curated. Mindbourne
videos are ideal for this since all content in the textbooks is
linked to online video lessons. Visit
www.mindbourne.com.
•
Training in how to use video technology is critical,
otherwise flipping the class will not work.
•
Managing the process is important. Teachers need to plan
what content is to be studied outside of class time using
videos and what activities will be done in class.
•
Restructuring the class to cater for differentiated learning
is essential. Advanced learners can be placed into groups
and work ahead of the class. The less able learners can
receive individual attention from the teacher.
Important points to take note of:
•
Technology can never replace a good teacher. In the
flipped classroom, the teacher leads the process and
facilitates the learning process.
• Teachers who can successfully incorporate
technology-based approaches like flipped learning into
their classrooms are at the
forefront of modern education.
"Let go of some of the control
and your learners
will really amaze you."