4 benefits of the flipped classroom

The flipped classroom can benefit students and teachers.

The idea of the flipped classroom has been sweeping through the education community. The concept isn’t complicated, but it is most definitely a departure from traditional teaching. Students learn new material at home using videos or other tools provided by teachers. In class, they focus on what would have traditionally been homework.

Questioning this approach? You’re not alone. A lot of parents, students and even teachers aren’t sure what to think. But the education community is definitely paying attention. Some think that this may be the future of learning. One educational textbook company has even been buying up technology start-ups to expand its tech offerings so it can support flipped classroom learning.

Why are schools flipping classrooms?
Let’s talk about some of the benefits of the flipped classroom and why it’s becoming popular:

1. More efficient for teachers: While there is an initial up-front investment that teachers have to make to set up a flipped classroom – creating a video can take 15 minutes or two days – they can ultimately save a lot of time using this model. In the future, recorded lesson plans and collected resources can be easily transferred to other classes. Plus, if students miss a class, teachers don’t have to spend time going over missed material because it’s all online.
2. Students control their learning: Research has shown that we all learn in different ways and at different speeds. If students are learning content at home, they can take their time to read through a passage, re-watch a video lecture or even initiate a Google search to better understand an idea. Instructors can also post multiple kinds of materials so that students are more likely to find a source that will help them, whether it’s an article, video or interactive tool.
3. Inexpensive for schools to implement: Besides investing in a new video cameras or better classroom computers, the only other thing you need is time. This model is much more cost-effective for schools than purchasing hundreds of new classroom gadgets to increase engagement.
4. Versatile, engaging way to share content: One of the greatest things about this model is that teachers can share so many different kinds of content. Learning isn’t restricted to a whiteboard or textbook. Instead, students can be directed to any website, mobile application or other kind of content. Teachers can create learning modules that allow students to quickly jump from one resource to the next.

There are still some important questions that need to be asked, like whether this model improves grades or helps all students equally. But this is another great way that technology can transform learning. It also seems like a model that makes sense for today’s tech-savvy students.

What do you think about flipped classrooms? Can you think of other benefits or drawbacks to this model? Please share your thoughts below!