Colleagues doubt the flipped classroom approach. How can you convince them of its effectiveness?

1 Active Learning

The flipped classroom model places a strong emphasis on active learning, which involves students in the process of making sense of information. In a traditional setting, students passively receive information during class time and then apply what they've learned on their own. The flipped model reverses this by having students learn the basics at home, typically through videos or readings, and then using class time for hands-on activities. This allows you to guide them as they apply concepts, collaborate with peers, and engage in critical thinking, which can lead to deeper understanding and retention of the material.

2 Student Engagement

One of the most compelling arguments for the flipped classroom is its potential to increase student engagement. When you replace lectures with interactive class sessions, students are no longer passive recipients of knowledge. Instead, they become active participants in their own learning journey. This can be particularly effective for those who might struggle with traditional lecture-based instruction. By encouraging students to take an active role, the flipped classroom can help foster a sense of ownership over their education, which is often a powerful motivator for learning.

3 Personalized Support

A significant advantage of the flipped classroom is the opportunity for personalized support. With students tackling new material at home, class time becomes available for you to provide individualized assistance. This can be especially beneficial for students who may need extra help or those who are ready for more advanced challenges. By being present while students work through problems and projects, you can offer immediate feedback and adjust instruction to meet their specific needs, potentially leading to better academic outcomes.

4 Time Management

Colleagues may worry about the flipped classroom's impact on time management, both for themselves and their students. It's important to highlight that while the approach does require initial upfront investment in creating or curating at-home learning materials, it can ultimately save time during class sessions. Moreover, students learn to take responsibility for their own learning outside of school hours, which can help them develop valuable time-management skills. Encouraging colleagues to start small, perhaps by flipping just one lesson or unit, can ease them into the process.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?