The content of this article was kindly written by Wasana Drouin, a teacher in Quebec, Canada; whom we thank infinitely. More information about her is at the end of the article.
To my 10-year-old student
Flipped learning is like watching a movie in reverse. Normally, at school, you listen to the teacher explain a lesson in class, then you do your homework at home. With flipped learning, it’s a bit the opposite!
Imagine that you receive the explanations at home in the form of videos, readings, or even games. You learn the content of the lesson on your own. Then, in class, the teacher helps you understand more by doing activities, and discussions, and answering your questions.
Flipped Pedagogy The Story of Its Origin
Flipped pedagogy, also known as the inverted classroom, has emerged as an innovative teaching approach in recent years. Its history dates back to technological advances that have allowed easy access to online resources.
The idea is to change the traditional rhythm of studies by reversing the learning process at home and in the classroom.
Instead of receiving a lesson in class and doing homework at home, students discover the content at home, often through videos, readings, or interactive activities, and then deepen and apply this knowledge in class with the help of their teacher.
The idea is that the child has more control over his or her learning. This can give him or her more time to absorb information, and when he or she arrives in class, he or she is ready to explore and ask questions rather than just listen.
Why is Flipped Learning (FL) beneficial for students?
This approach is beneficial for several reasons. First, it gives students more control over their learning.
By learning at home, everyone can go at their own pace, review as many times as needed, and then ask questions in class to clarify any unclear points. This creates a more personalized learning environment.
Additionally, flipped learning encourages active engagement in the classroom. Rather than being mere listeners, students become active participants, discussing concepts, asking questions, and applying their knowledge in hands-on activities.
The Role of Teachers
Teachers play a crucial role in selecting resources for flipped learning. They choose videos, readings, or other materials based on the lesson content and students’ level of understanding.
The idea is to provide engaging resources that capture students’ attention and are adapted to their level.
For example, if the lesson is about fractions, the teacher could select an explanatory video with concrete examples and visual illustrations to facilitate understanding.
This ensures that students can acquire basic knowledge at home, leaving more time in class for in-depth discussions and hands-on activities.
Does flipped learning work for all subjects?
Flipped learning can be applied to a variety of subjects, but its effectiveness often depends on the nature of the content.
It works especially well in subjects where a prior understanding of the content is crucial to addressing more advanced concepts in class.
For example, in mathematics, understanding the basics of fractions is essential for solving more complex problems later.
However, it can also be adapted to other subjects such as science or languages, where a prior understanding of scientific vocabulary or concepts can facilitate practical application in the classroom.
Case Study A Student Who Benefited from IP
A concrete example of a student benefiting from inverted pedagogy is Lucas, a 13-year-old student in Quebec who is passionate about history.
When he discovered flipped pedagogy, through the Internet, he found online videos explaining different historical events.
At home, he was able to explore these videos at his own pace, pausing them regularly and resuming when necessary. In class, Lucas was enthusiastic and willing to discuss historical details, asking insightful questions that demonstrated his deep understanding.
Flipped pedagogy not only strengthened his knowledge but also stimulated his interest in history, transforming him into an active and increasingly autonomous learner.
Developing autonomy and responsibility with IP
Speaking of autonomy and responsibility, reverse pedagogy plays a key role in the development of these skills.
By learning independently at home, students learn to manage their time, be responsible for their learning, and develop effective study habits.
They are encouraged to take the initiative to ask questions and seek additional resources if they have difficulties.
For example, if they don’t understand a concept, they can search for additional videos or consult reference materials.
This fosters an environment where students become the architects of their education, thereby strengthening their autonomy and responsibility for their learning.
In the classroom, this translates into students who are more engaged, proactive, and able to collaborate meaningfully with their peers.
Ultimately, flipped learning goes beyond acquiring knowledge to cultivating essential skills that prepare students to succeed in an ever-changing world.
Flipped Pedagogy The Challenges
Despite its many benefits, flipped learning can present some challenges. Some students may find it difficult to self-discipline and stay focused when learning independently.
Additionally, not all homes have equal access to the internet or the technologies needed to follow online resources. This can create inequalities among students in terms of access to information and participation in flipped learning.
To address these challenges, teachers must be aware of the individual needs of their students and be prepared to provide alternatives for those who have technology access constraints.
This is, for example, by offering paper resources for students who do not have access to the Internet at home.
Integrating IP with Other Learning Methods
Integrating flipped learning with other teaching methods harmoniously is entirely possible. The key is flexibility.
Teachers can incorporate elements of flipped learning into more traditional approaches, creating the combination that, based on their expertise/experience, best fits the needs of students and the content of the subject.
For example, a science class might use flipped learning to introduce new concepts, followed by in-class activities for hands-on experimentation and discussion.
This flexibility allows teachers to tailor their approach based on subject matter, student needs, and the specific objectives of each lesson.
What are the signs that this teaching method is working well in a classroom?
When students ask relevant questions, actively participate in class discussions, and demonstrate a deep understanding of the concepts being taught, this indicates that the method is working.
Teachers can also assess students’ progress by observing their performance in classroom activities and assessments.
Increased participation and continued improvements in content understanding suggest that flipped pedagogy is a success.
How to involve parents more in the flipped learning process?
Involving parents in the flipped learning process can be beneficial on many levels.
Parents can play a crucial role in encouraging their children’s self-discipline in their home studies. They can also be partners in monitoring their children’s progress and resolving any challenges that may arise.
This strengthens the connection between school and home, creating a collaborative learning environment that promotes student success.
So, teachers can organize information sessions to explain to parents how flipped learning works and how they can support their children at home.