Flipped Classrooms – 11 Pros and Cons

Creating online learning product

What Is A Flipped Classroom?

This means changing the basic model of classroom teaching, and is being actively used in Australian universities right now. The concept – where learners study content in their own time, then discuss and solve problems in class with a facilitator – has many benefits –

Flipped Classroom Pros

  • The learners can study the content at their own pace
  • Learners enter the class with a body of knowledge so time is saved
  • More time in class can be spent on projects, discussions, and higher problem solving
  • Learners can work together to complete homework or fill gaps in knowledge
  • Facilitators can more easily work with those who need extra support, as more confident learners can work together on advanced tasks
  • Instead of instructing the entire class at once, facilitators can guide smaller groups or one on one
  • The plethora of content available online can be harnessed, with the learners selecting the most appropriate sources, freeing up the facilitator to concentrate on in-class higher level tasks

As you can see, the benefits can be enormous for the learners and organisation. But there are disadvantages that without attention can be detrimental –

Flipped Classroom Cons

  • Learners without digital literacy or access can be hampered when trying to perform pre-work
  • The reliance on front-end pre-work without external motivation means some learners will not perform this crucial task and be behind when entering the classroom
  • Assessing or analysing skills or knowledge is still required and the course structure may be too scattered to ensure all knowledge is covered adequately
  • The unfamiliar structure can be daunting to some learners. Coming to terms with a more learner-driven learning style can be stressful.

Even with the downsides, flipping a classroom is a great idea. You just need to cater for the above problems. Here’s some suggestions –

Flipped Classroom Solutions

  • Ensure learners have access to a non-digital substitute for content. Some people like to work from paper, some aren’t savvy with technology.
  • Put effort into motivating your learners. Use both persuasive tactics or positive psychology to encourage them.
  • Provide a method for those who are behind to catch up without impacting those who are moving ahead.
  • Buddy up people, or place them into various groups so they can support each other.

Remember, this is NOT a silver bullet. It has no guarantees. But if done right can make learning massively more effective.