Teaching on the Flipped Side: How I Transformed Learning Through the "Flipped Classroom Model"

How the heck do I get them to care?!

“Would you like to teach Psychology of Racism and Oppression?” quipped my department chair in an email as we discussed courses for my Spring and Fall schedule. My immediate response was, “Absolutely!”—followed by a sinking feeling. How many students might completely tune out, given the topic’s controversial nature? Many were likely taking the class only because it was a transfer or graduation requirement. But for a subject that resonated deeply with so many, I knew I needed to create a format that put their voices at the center, allowing them to process the material through the lens of their own experiences. Traditional lecture-heavy classes, where professors do 90% of the talking, wouldn’t work here. I needed a space for shared knowledge, perspectives, and collaboration—somewhere students could both hear and be heard.

Flippity say WHAT?!

Thus began my deep dive into the flipped classroom model, which shifts the responsibility for learning foundational principles to students, who engage with online lectures and readings, on their own time. When they come to class, they’re ready to dive into hands-on activities, discussions, and collaborative learning. At first, like many others, I was skeptical. Teaching at a community college means that most of my students juggle full-time jobs, a full course load, familial responsibilities and often choose in-person or hybrid classes because online learning demands significant discipline. Would they actually engage with the online content? I wasn’t sure, but I decided it was worth the risk.

THE Most Engaged Students I have EVER taught!

To my absolute delight and surprise, after almost a decade of teaching, the flipped classroom produced a cohort of exemplary students. Here are the marked differences I noticed when comparing my flipped classroom to my traditional in person classroom:

1. Building a Strong Classroom Community - Within weeks, students were connecting and creating a sense of safety and harmony, which encouraged openness in discussions. By mid-semester, laughter, chatter, and genuine engagement with the material were common, fostering a lively learning environment.
2. Boosted Critical Thinking Skills - Students’ critical thinking skills flourished beyond those in my traditional classes. After watching short lectures online, in-class activities pushed them to revisit and apply knowledge to real-life scenarios, engaging in discussions that revealed diverse perspectives.
3. Increased Accountability - Group activities required a solid grasp of online material, holding students accountable for coming prepared. Though some experienced initial discomfort, the push to contribute meaningfully helped them stay on track and deepen their understanding.

"Once everything is set up, the classroom practically runs itself."

Yes, it's Work! But before you hit the abort button...

For some educators, the idea of a flipped classroom seems daunting, with upfront work that feels overwhelming. But in my experience, while recording lectures, organizing materials, and designing activities that bridge content with real life is a big initial lift, that’s where most of the work ends. Once everything is set up, the classroom practically runs itself. As the facilitator, I find myself speaking about 25% of the time, stepping in mainly as a guide. Students become the experts, diving into discussions, connecting ideas, and reaching out only when a concept needs clarification or a discussion veers off into uncharted territory. In a flipped classroom, learning transforms into a student-led, interactive journey, and I’m there to support and steer when needed.

If you’re interested in learning how to get started putting together a flipped classroom, I have included a short video which details some steps I personally took to create the thriving environment that I enjoy in my own flipped classroom. Good luck and happy flipping!

Ashley Berry is the CEO and Founder of The Higher Ed. Institute, an educational consulting firm that specializes in collaborating with faculty on best pedagogical and andragogical classroom practices.

If you are interested in learning more about the flipped classroom, please feel free to contact me at [email protected].