What are the best flipped classroom models for teaching STEM courses?

1 What is a flipped classroom?

A flipped classroom is a pedagogical approach that reverses the traditional order of instruction, where students learn the core concepts and theories at home, through videos, readings, or other resources, and then practice and apply them in class, through exercises, projects, or discussions. The main benefits of a flipped classroom are that it frees up class time for more interactive and meaningful learning activities, it allows students to learn at their own pace and review the material as needed, and it fosters a more student-centered and collaborative learning environment.

2 What are the types of flipped classroom models?

Flipping your classroom can be tailored to your learning objectives, content, and students' needs and preferences. The basic flip is the most common model, where students watch pre-recorded lectures or videos before class and then do homework, exercises, or quizzes in class with the instructor's guidance. A discussion flip encourages critical thinking and communication skills, as students read or watch material before class then participate in group discussions, debates, or case studies with the instructor's role as a facilitator. The demonstration flip is suitable for courses that involve hands-on skills or experiments; students watch or read instructions and procedures before class, then perform demonstrations, labs, or simulations in class with the instructor's supervision. Finally, the project flip is ideal for courses that require creativity and problem-solving; students learn concepts and principles before class then work on projects, tasks, or challenges in class with the instructor's support and coaching.

3 How to choose the best flipped classroom model for your STEM course?

When flipping your classroom, there is no one-size-fits-all solution as different models may work better for different courses, topics, and learners. However, some general guidelines to help you choose the best model for your STEM course include considering your learning outcomes, content complexity, students' prior knowledge and preferences, and available resources. Align your flipped classroom model with your learning outcomes, make complex content engaging and accessible, motivate and support your students throughout the learning process, and leverage or create quality resources. Doing so will help ensure that you have chosen the best model for your STEM course.

4 How to design and implement a flipped classroom for your STEM course?

Once you have chosen the flipped classroom model that fits your STEM course, it is important to plan and execute it effectively. To do this, you will need to prepare pre-class materials that are clear, concise, and engaging. They should cover the key concepts and learning objectives, as well as provide questions or exercises to check student understanding. You also need to plan in-class activities that are relevant to your content and aligned with your learning outcomes. Explain the rationale and benefits of flipping your classroom to your students and clarify expectations for pre-class and in-class components. Monitor and evaluate your flipped classroom by collecting data from students and yourself. Use surveys, polls, quizzes, observations, or reflections to gather information on student engagement, satisfaction, achievement, and challenges. Also use methods such as reflection, peer review, or feedback sessions to evaluate your own teaching practice.

5 What are some examples of flipped classroom models for STEM courses?

Illustrating how to flip your STEM course, here are some examples of flipped classroom models for different disciplines and topics. For mathematics, the basic flip model can be used to teach algebra, calculus, or geometry; students receive videos or slides that explain formulas, rules, and examples, then solve problems, exercises, or puzzles in class with your help and feedback. Physics can use the demonstration flip model to teach mechanics, optics, or electricity; students receive readings or podcasts introducing concepts and principles, then conduct experiments, labs, or simulations in class with supervision and assistance. For biology, the discussion flip model teaches genetics, ecology, or evolution; students receive articles or documentaries presenting facts and theories before participating in group discussions, debates, or case studies in class with you as facilitator. Engineering can use the project flip model to teach design, robotics, or sustainability; students receive textbooks or websites explaining concepts and techniques before working on projects, tasks, or challenges in class with your support and coaching.

6 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?