A few thoughts on the Flipped Classroom

There are many ways educators can enhance their curriculum and experiment with new pedagogical models to engage students. There have been numerous studies that have shown improvement as well as the potential for additional success with many of these models. From our own experience, certain classroom settings and topics lend themselves to a particular learning style that may be more advantageous. Experience coupled with keeping up with the literature and research on best practices can be very helpful to create the best learning environment for students. Technology can often greatly enhance the strategies used in and out the classroom and can also greatly enhance access to certain materials. With increased usage of online materials educators can reach a larger number of students as well as facilitate learning far beyond the classroom walls. One such shift that has been fostered by technology is that of the flipped classroom model of learning. Here instructors can record lectures and/or other instructional materials for dissemination online so that more time can be spent working together on tasks in the classroom though in-class exercises (Educause, 2012). While this same approach could be done with printed reading material, most are using online content. This model allows for exposure to topics at home so that students can work more in-depth on related material in the classroom, which can allow for more in-depth help from peers or the instructor and meaningful conversations. Following this, students can then complete additional coursework at home to help retain information. While this is a very limited description of the flipped classroom concept, there are other terms that often refer to other blended approaches such, as reverse teaching or the backwards classroom. All point to more collaboration and user centred learning