EDC 340 - Flipped Classroom

    One way to incorporate active learning into the classroom is through a flipped classroom. The article, Flipped Classrooms by Harvard University explains this method. The authors define it by saying, “A flipped classroom is structured around the idea that lecture or direct instruction is not the best use of class time. Instead students encounter information before class, freeing class time for activities that involve higher order thinking” (Harvard University). This displays that a flipped classroom utilizes students to go over material independently, allowing the teacher more time to interact with the students during class. There are some benefits listed in this article, such as students can learn at their own pace, students learn rather than encounter material in class, increased collaboration, and much more. This method is best utilized when teachers plan how to use the class time before looking for instructional materials. The article breaks this method down into the following steps:

1. Decide how you will use your class time and design those activities.

2. Find or create resources for students to use at home.

3. Teach students how to use the material at home. 

    

    The video, Flipped Classroom by The University of Texas at Austin, goes into depth about the flipped classroom method. The author explains it by saying that the students have access to material before class, and this frees up face-to-face time to allow students to get any clarification they may need. This also enables students to apply the material they learned through practice where they can receive guidance at the moment. This lets them focus on any content they need to devote extra time to. 

    

    There are some pros and cons to a flipped classroom that should be considered. The article, What Are the Pros and Cons of a Flipped Classroom? by Mike Acedo discusses the pros and cons of a flipped classroom. The first pro in this article is that students have more control, which means that they are free to learn at their own pace. The second one is that it promotes student-centered learning and collaboration, which encourages students to learn the material with their peers and through the guidance of their teachers. The third is that lessons and content are more accessible, letting students catch up on material if needed, and teachers have more flexibility. The fourth one is that the access makes it easier for parents to see what is going on, and this means that parents are enabled to see what their student is learning. The final pro is that it can be more efficient, and this means that the flipped classroom method gives students and teachers more time outside the classroom to focus on extracurriculars.

    There are some disadvantages to a flipped classroom mentioned in this article too. The first con is that it can create a digital divide, which means that students who do not have access to technology and the internet may be disadvantaged. The second one is that it relies on preparation and trust, dependent on student participation. The third one is that there is significant work on the front-end, which means integrating flipped elements will be time-consuming and require more effort. The fourth one is that it is not a naturally test-prep form of learning, which does not follow the model for improving standardized test scores. The fifth one is that time in front of screens instead of people, and places are increased, which could cause problems to the student’s learning process. The final con is that some students with special needs may need extra support at home-support that might not be available. In conclusion, this method can be a practical hands-on approach that improves academic performance.