What are the best ways to differentiate instruction in a flipped classroom model?

1 What is a flipped classroom model?

A flipped classroom model is an instructional approach that reverses the traditional order of teaching and learning. Instead of delivering lectures and explanations in class, and assigning homework and practice for students to do at home, teachers provide students with videos, readings, or other materials to learn the content at home, and use the class time for interactive activities, discussions, or projects that deepen their understanding and skills. This way, students can learn at their own pace and time, and teachers can provide more feedback and support in class.

2 Why differentiate instruction in a flipped classroom model?

Differentiating instruction means adapting the content, process, product, or environment of learning to suit the different readiness levels, interests, and learning preferences of students. This can help students achieve their potential, engage more with the material, and develop their autonomy and self-regulation. In a flipped classroom model, differentiating instruction is especially important because students have more control over their learning and need more guidance and scaffolding to succeed. For example, some students may struggle with the pre-class materials and need more support and clarification, while others may find them too easy and need more challenge and enrichment. Similarly, some students may prefer more structure and direction in class, while others may enjoy more choice and flexibility.

3 How to differentiate the content in a flipped classroom model?

Differentiating content in a flipped classroom model requires teachers to use various strategies. These can include providing multiple sources and formats of pre-class materials, such as videos, podcasts, articles, or slides, that cover the same learning objectives but cater to different learning styles and preferences. Additionally, allowing students to choose the pre-class materials that suit their interests and needs, or giving them options to explore additional or alternative resources that go beyond the core content is important. Formative assessments, such as quizzes, polls, or surveys can be used to check students' understanding of the pre-class materials and adjust the instruction accordingly. Additionally, offering different levels of difficulty, complexity, or depth of the pre-class materials can help students select or self-assess their level of readiness.

4 How to differentiate the process in a flipped classroom model?

The process refers to how students interact with the content and practice their skills. To differentiate the process in a flipped classroom model, teachers can employ various strategies, such as designing different types of in-class activities that appeal to different learning styles and preferences. Grouping students based on their readiness levels, interests, or learning preferences and assigning them tasks that match their needs and abilities is another strategy. Moreover, providing different levels of support, feedback, or guidance to students during the in-class activities can be beneficial. Furthermore, allowing students to choose the in-class activities that suit their interests and needs or giving them options to create their own activities or modify the existing ones can be useful.

6 How to differentiate the environment in a flipped classroom model?

The environment refers to the physical and social setting of learning. To differentiate the environment in a flipped classroom model, teachers can employ various strategies, such as creating a flexible learning space that accommodates different learning styles and preferences. Additionally, it is important to establish a positive and collaborative learning culture, which can be achieved through norms, routines, or rewards that foster respect, trust, and cooperation between students and teachers. Furthermore, teachers should provide different options and resources for learning that can enhance students' access and engagement with the content and process. Finally, inviting different perspectives and voices for learning can help to enrich students' learning experiences and connections.

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?