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The flipped classroom is an education model that sort of happened naturally. In 2007, two chemistry teachers at Woodland Park High School in Colorado, Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams, discovered flipping that would impact traditional teaching models. They found a software program that solved the dilemma of getting material to students who missed class. Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams started recording and posting lectures online to help them catch up on lessons they missed.

Soon they noticed that students who attended the class were also using these videos for reviewing the lessons. The flipped classroom began, and more and more educators understand the benefits of flipping their classrooms.

More or less the same time, Salman Khan created video tutorials in mathematics he uploaded on YouTube for his nephew. These videos became so popular among math students that they lead to the birth of Khan Academy.

Is the flipped classroom model the same as creating videos, or is there more to it? This article reveals the mystery of flipping, what flipped learning is, discusses the flipped classroom model, its purpose, and what a flipped classroom looks like.

What Is Flipped Learning?

The Flipped Learning Network defines flipped learning as “a pedagogical approach in which direct instruction moves from the group learning space to the individual learning space. The resulting group space is transformed into a dynamic, interactive learning environment where the educator guides students as they apply concepts and engage creatively in the subject matter.”

Four Pillars of F-L-I-P

Flexible Environment

In a flexible learning environment, teachers can re-arrange the physical environment in the class; they exchange static desks for modular furniture and seating options in class that allow for individual and group activities. It offers students the option to chose where they want to learn.

The way students learn and the time it takes them to master a subject varies from person to person. Teachers provide self-pacing timelines allowing students to learn and reflect at their pace. They also offer students different learning methods and ways to demonstrate their acquired knowledge.

Learning Culture

Flipped classes flip from the traditional teacher-centric class to student learning as the center of teaching. The difference in strategy is that students engage in learning activities with teachers playing the role of guides. In-class time is reserved for more in-depth lessons on a subject.

Intentional Content

Teachers intentionally create a process to determine what part of the curriculum they should teach in classes and what course content students will be learning and mastering themselves at home. Educators use video lessons to make content accessible to learners.

Professional Educator

The professional educator continues to be essential in the flipped learning model; their roles are less visible than traditional approaches. The teacher is available for all students in groups or individuals. They observe students’ learning practices during class time, giving feedback, explanation, assistance, and assessment as needed.


What Is A Flipped Classroom Model For K-12 Students?

Flipping turns the traditional classroom model upside down into a blended learning model, enhancing the student experience with face-to-face interaction and independent study. Instead of learning in class and doing homework at home, the student goes through the basics of learning and understanding material at home before they come to class. Flipping means doing homework at school and teacher lectures at home.

The students come to class prepared with fundamental knowledge and questions they have about the lesson materials. Today’s technology content delivery takes various formats; a video lesson is one of the most popular ways K-12 grade students receive lessons from educators.

A flipped classroom model frees up class time. Instead of the teacher explaining the basics, which learners can figure out by themselves at home, they flip the classroom dedicating the classroom lessons to complex concepts, group discussions, practice, and interactive applications. During the class, instructors guide the students to analyze and apply at a deeper level what they’ve learned at home.

What Is The Purpose Of A Flipped Classroom?

The reason for a flipped classroom model is that flipping brings education to learners in the language they associate with and understand. The purpose of the flipped classroom approach is to enhance the student’s education and success by dedicating time in the classroom to the student’s knowledge and understanding as opposed to the traditional lecture. By flipping the classrooms, the learner, having watched the video lectures at home, comes to classrooms with the required fundamental knowledge and principles.

Benefits Of A Flipped Classroom

  • A student has more control over their learning. They watch the short videos at their pace, and with technology tools, they can pause and rewind the videos as often as need.
  • A student becomes more confident. They have the time to review and practice content without being embarrassed because they take longer than other people; fear of falling behind decreases.
  • In the classrooms, teachers are more available for individual guidance without delaying the rest of the class.
  • The flip model reduces boredom to fast learners; they don’t have to wait for the rest of the class to catch up.
  • Student-centered learning promotes skill mastery through discussions, peer instructions, and collaborative projects in the classroom.
  • The flipped classroom model allows people to take ownership of their studies; seeing their achievements builds confidence and self-esteem.
  • Online videos allow scholars, who missed a lecture due to illness, sports, or emergencies to catch up at their convenience. If a teacher falls ill, students can continue their studies with the lessons published online.
  • Parents are better informed on what their kids are learning, the quality of the lectures, and how their kids are applying themselves.
  • Flipping the classroom frees up time learners can use for recreation or additional academic practice.

How Does A Flipped Classroom Model Work?

Flipping a classroom turns the learning process upside down. Flipping is based on two essential components, the video tutorials students watch and the learning activities in the school. A typical flipped classroom model would have these steps.

Step 1: Introduction Of Video Materials

The instructor introduces the video materials to the students in the classroom settings or uses a learning management system (LMS). Although familiar with technology, learners still need instruction and guidance from their teachers on their expectations. The teacher should tell the students where, when, and how they can access the videos. They must also instruct the students on how they should watch the video material, take notes, and how to submit questions and problems they experience with the course content.

Step 2: Students Watch The Videos

Students watch the video content outside the classroom environment, usually at their homes. Although learners watch at their pace, they should do so before the next scheduled class. A day or two before the class gives them enough time to ponder on the topic and to have the content fresh in their minds.

Instruction videos and video tutorials shouldn’t be longer than 15 minutes. Educators can create and upload the videos themselves or use external educational platforms.

Step 3: Teacher Assesses the Students

Teachers assess the students’ understanding, knowledge acquisition, and mastery of the learning objectives before moving on to the next set of materials. This step may happen at the beginning of the class. Teachers can access the students using quiz-type exercises or online discussions immediately after watching the video. Most LMS software grades the quiz or multiple-choice questions, saving the teacher time.

By assessing the learners, the instructors adjust the in-class learning exercises according to the students’ understanding of the course content. The assessment also shows learners how well they understood the materials and what section they should review

Step 4: In-Class Learning Exercises

Learners engage in education exercises in the classrooms, and teachers provide guidance and answers to relevant questions. Education through learning activities may include collaboration, peer instruction, and learner-instructor interactions. The instructor’s role in the flipped classroom is guiding learners through the problem-solving process, allowing learners to make mistakes, be creative, and take risks under their protective guidance.

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