Flipped Learning

What is flipped learning?

Flipped – or inverted – learning is an educational approach which turns the traditional chronological order of training on its head. In this method, students first read educational material, watch videos, and listen to podcasts as a kind of homework or coursework. They then explore this learning in class, taking advantage of the presence of their peers to participate in active learning experiences such as debates, exercises and projects.

This educational method works on the principles of active learning, where students build their own library of knowledge, and become the protagonists of their own studies.

The history and origin of flipped learning

The term flipped learning was coined in the mid-2000s by professors Jon Bergman, Aaron Sams, and Salman Khan. However, in 1990, Professor Eric Mazur of Harvard University had already developed a precursor – a learning model known as peer instruction. In this model, students were given educational materials to prepare before class, so they could use their classroom time to think cognitively through peer interaction.

With the expansion of the Internet and the greater availability of digital tools, more and more teachers began to experiment with distributing learning materials online. This continued until 2007, when Sams and Bergman started recording their lessons and making them available to students online. This was quickly followed by the publication of their book “Flip Your Classroom: reach every student in every class every day.” From that point on, the methodology has spread rapidly, influencing a wide range of disciplines and educational levels. It has even led to the formation of research communities that investigate the effectiveness of flipped learning, as well as put its theories into practice.

The key features of flipped learning

By reversing the traditional training model – where students attend classes, listen to instruction, and then carry out activities or tasks at home – flipped learning distinguishes itself from other teaching methods. Some of its characteristic features include:

Greater focus on students

Flipped learning puts students at the center, giving them responsibility for their own learning, and encouraging the development of skills such as autonomy and time-management.

Increased use of technology

Flipped learning takes advantage of a host of digital resources, such as videos, readings, articles, podcasts, to deliver information to students. In addition, the use of educational platforms and online tools make it easier to access this type of material, and stimulate communication between students and teachers.

Optimized time in class

Another key characteristic of this methodology is that it makes the most of class-time, dedicating it to the practical application of knowledge through debates, discussions and individual or group projects. In this way, it promotes learning through practice, as well as teamwork, by encouraging more in-depth interaction between classmates and trainers.

A different role for the trainer

In flipped learning, trainers act more as guides and facilitators than traditional teachers, helping students to apply knowledge practically and settle any doubts they have. This way they can spend more time giving focused, individual support identifying and addressing problems specific to each student.

The advantages and disadvantages of flipped learning

Let’s take a closer look at the advantages and disadvantages of this educational approach:

Advantages

• Greater Student Engagement: By allowing students to interact with learning material before class, students arrive ready to participate in discussion, and eager to tackle hands-on activities that can help them improve their understanding.
• Personalized learning: This method gives students the flexibility to learn at their own pace, allowing them to pause, rewind, and even fast-forward, reviewing each topic as many times as they need.
• Develops power skills: Flipped learning allows students to develop the essential skills they need in the modern workplace, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and communication.

Disadvantages

• Resistance to change: Students who are accustomed to traditional teaching methods may have difficulty assuming the greater level of responsibility and autonomy required for flipped learning.
• Requires technology: Flipped learning is highly dependent on access to technology. Students need not only access to electronic devices, but also a reliable internet connection in addition to learning tools and platforms.

Flipped learning: strategies and approaches

Various teaching methods can be implemented within flipped learning to improve knowledge uptake and retention. Some of the most common include:

• Video-based

In this strategy, training leaders create interactive videos and webinars for students to review before class. When they enter the classroom, they can then discuss, debate and apply what they’ve already learned.

• Reading-based

In a reading-based flipped learning strategy, students receive reading assignments, summaries, articles and other kinds of written material to explore independently. Subsequent discussion takes place in class.

• Project-based

With this approach, students are given a project or problem to consider before class. These projects can be designed for individuals or groups and, as with the other strategies, class time is used for discussion, feedback and debate.

• Discussion-based

In discussion-based flipped learning, students are given a range of questions which they must investigate and answer before class. They can then participate in discussions, encouraging the development of critical skills such as analysis and communication.

• Hybrid

Finally, hybrid flipped learning models work through a combination of all the previous approaches. This is the most commonly used method, since students get the chance to watch videos, attend webinars, complete readings or projects, and then work on related activities, debates and discussions in class.

Flipped learning and e-learning: tools and resources

Flipped learning is frequently used within the broader spectrum of e-learning. The latter is a highly useful tool that facilitates access to learning from anywhere and at any time, harnessing technology to improve the educational experience. When it comes to flipped learning, e-learning offers a variety of tools and resources that are essential for its effective implementation:

1. Learning Management Platforms (LMS)

Learning management systems are fundamental for flipped learning. They allow trainers to upload videos, readings and other teaching materials for students to explore before classes. In addition, they help trainers to administer tasks and evaluations, and facilitate better communication between teachers and students.

2. Multimedia content

The use of educational videos, podcasts and multimedia presentations is another key feature of flipped learning within e-learning. Today, there are multiple e-learning platforms available that offer a wide range of audiovisual and multimedia resources. These can be used to prepare students thoroughly before classes.

3. Content creation tools

Teachers who wish to make personalized content can do so effectively using authoring tools. This software allows you to upload video lessons, create interactive courses, and edit content collaboratively, ensuring that material is both clear and effective enough for students’ autonomous learning.

4. Chats and forums

E-learning platforms often include forums and internal communication channels, where learners can interact with each other as well as those in charge of training. This type of communication is crucial for settling doubts and delving deeper into subjects autonomously, and helps to promote collaborative and continuous learning.

5. Interactive assessments

E-learning offers a host of tools for creating interactive evaluations and self-assessments – such as quizzes, surveys and questionnaires – that allow you to measure student progress and adapt classes based on the results obtained.

6. Learning analysis

E-learning platforms typically also offer learning analysis features that allow you to monitor the progress and performance of students. These tools yield valuable data that can be used to personalize learning further and address individual needs.

In short, e-learning provides a powerful and flexible infrastructure which is essential for hosting flipped learning. By properly leveraging these tools and resources, it is possible to create a dynamic and effective learning environment. In this setting, students can make the most of class time, enjoying beneficial and interactive hands-on activities, all while accessing and studying content at their own pace.

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