Flipped classroom approach
This new instructional model has been gaining popularity among teachers, since, contrary to a traditional class model, it is proposed to take the theory out of it, to occupy it with the completion of the exercises. The theory at home and “homework” in the classroom. In other words, this pedagogical strategy consists of a model in which direct instruction moves from the collective learning space to the individual learning space, and the resulting space is transformed into a dynamic and interactive learning environment in which the Educator guides students as concepts are applied and can engage creatively in the subject matter. In this article we will describe the flipped classroom approach.
The implementation of this strategy has been favored by the potential that the Web offers for the search, creation, publication, and systematization of resources through the Internet, thus opening the possibilities for the teaching-learning process and altering the traditional roles that teachers and students own.
Many factors influenced the creation and adoption of the “backward class” model. However, its genesis can be traced to the experiences of teachers: Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams from Woodland Park High School in Colorado, USA. In 2007 they discovered software to record PowerPoint presentations and published the lessons on the Internet to those students who had missed classes. Online lessons expanded and spread rapidly. From this, both teachers began to give talks to other teachers about their teaching methods; so the rest of the teachers started using the online videos and video podcasts to teach students outside of the classroom, reserving class time for group exercises and concept review exercises.
Role of the student Flipped classroom advantages disadvantages
The flipped learning model deliberately shifts instruction toward a student-centered approach, in which class time is spent exploring topics in greater depth and creating more learning opportunities. Students have more flexibility and freedom in navigating the content of the courses (choosing the pace, timing, and mode of learning), while actively participating in the construction of knowledge. Importantly, they are the ones who evaluate their learning in a way that can be personally meaningful.
Educator’s role
In a student-led learning environment, teacher involvement in the day-to-day running of the course is relatively low. However, professional educators continuously observe their students, providing relevant feedback at all times as well as evaluation of their work. In addition, they are also characterized by being reflective in their practice, interact with each other to improve the quality of their teaching, accept constructive criticism and tolerate “controlled chaos in their classrooms”.
In this model, the teacher acts more as an organizer or guide in the learning process, providing the necessary resources and support to enable students to develop and shape their own learning.
Examples of strategies that can be implemented by the instructor:
- Respond to student questions via email or in community forums.
- Periodically give feedback on the work of each student.
- Provide motivational reminders throughout the course.
- Identifying students who are struggling with learning a concept and providing support and guidance in discussions to help overcome obstacles.
- Periodically hold video conferences or chat meetings.
Presence of grammar Flipped classroom advantages disadvantages
Intentional content.
Model description Flipped classroom advantages disadvantages
Educators continually think about how they can use the “flipped classroom” model to help students develop conceptual understanding and procedural fluency. Teachers employ intentional content to maximize class time in order to adopt active student-centered learning methods and strategies.
First, students work on the concepts themselves, usually using educational videos that have been previously prepared by their teachers [] or third parties. Listening to podcasts or collaboration between colleagues in online communities, implementing the use of technologies, is also frequent.
In class, on the other hand, the plan is to dedicate time for discussion, resolution of doubts, and more creative tasks that require the presence and advice of the teacher. This can be carried out in groups, or individually, which allows setting different rhythms for each student according to their abilities and improving the work environment in the classroom thanks to the active role of each student. This modification gives rise to the transformation of the functions of the actors in the teaching and learning process. Specifically, teachers become researchers, content generators, and mediators of learning, while students take responsibility for their learning, developing autonomous learning.
Now let see the advantages and disadvantages of the flipped classroom approach.
Advantage
- It significantly improves the work environment in the classroom.
- Increase educational attention to each student.
- Turn the classroom into an active workspace.
- Encourage creativity and critical thinking.
- Students have more control.
- Promotes student-centered learning and collaboration.
- The contents are more accessible.
- Let’s be more efficient.
- Provides more freedom to the teacher. [
Disadvantages
- Reluctance to change that students live. Although students learn more, their perception is that they learn less or by themselves, which generates negative perceptions regarding teaching work. Undoubtedly, this is directly related to the traditional paradigm and the belief that all work must be done by the teacher.
- Overload of work and activities: Teachers and students must carry out activities in addition to face-to-face work, which can generate an overload of work that exceeds the times established by the curricula.
- Not everyone learns autonomously: The implementation of this model requires detailed knowledge about the characteristics of the students since given the diversity of learning styles it is possible that a flipped class does not respond to the needs of all.
- Digital divide: You can establish a division of the class regarding the technology that each student has at their disposal.
- Increased sedentary lifestyle. Flipped classroom tasks require more hours of sitting in front of a computer screen, depriving students and teachers of physical or leisure activities.
It is important to add that motivation plays an important role in the development of the “reverse class”. Escaño and Gil (2001) suggest: “what happens in the classroom also has an influence and the possibility of developing another story that leads to rebuilding the ability to motivate oneself”. The teacher is responsible for spreading his own enthusiasm to the students, convincing them that the study and its corresponding learning is useful.
Useful tools for the flipped classroom
The tools that can be used in the flipped classroom are multiple. Here are some of the most used tools in this teaching-learning model that has been classified based on their usefulness within the flipped classroom. Flipped classroom advantages disadvantages
- Tools for content management: it is necessary to have an open or limited access platform for the dissemination of the content that is intended to be viewed. The most used tools for the dissemination of content are:
Open educational resources
Blog
Social network
- Tools for content editing: different editing tools can be used to create more or less formal presentations. Some applications offer in their free version a link to a URL in which the presentation is edited online and others, such as Microsoft PowerPoint, offer the tool to edit a video of the presentation once it is finished.
Prezi
Powtoon
Microsoft PowerPoint
- Tools that function as a content bank: content banks in which multimedia resources and content are already edited are also useful.
Podcasting
Educational video
Screencast
Wiki
ACTIVITIES – FLIPPED CLASSROOM
Theme: Creating stories
Level: B2
General objective:
- Correctly toggle past simple in Indicative Mode.
- Identify the uses of the simple past perfect and the imperfect.
Activities:
- After seeing at home, a video assigned by the teacher, which explains the uses of the past simple of the indicative, the students will evacuate in the class, the doubts they have about it. Then, in groups of three, they will develop with the help of technology, a table that contrasts the uses of these verb tenses. They should add examples, and then present them to the class.
- After the expositions, and always with the help of technology, they will create stories, alternating verb tenses: simple past perfect and Indicative imperfect. The text must be their production. Once the stories are ready, each group will be given a space in the class to present their creations.
We hope that you have understood the flipped classroom approach.
