Let''s flip our perspective on learning

Beas Dev Ralhan

The flipped classroom model has recently evolved as popular pedagogy and is gaining a foothold in classrooms around the world. Academicians and teachers have finally grasped the concept and are utilising its potential in transforming the learning experience.

In a flipped classroom, students are first exposed to their lessons as homework. They are asked to watch videos, read about it and come prepared to school the next day. During the class time, students assimilate knowledge through engaging activities, discussions and debates. There is a much deeper level of thinking involved in the flipped learning classroom.

The flipped learning concept owes its popularity to the digital technologies, rising Internet speeds and e-learning platforms. Tablets and smartphones have facilitated easy access to digital content, making flipped learning easier to practice outside the classroom. The primary emphasis is on pre-learning, i.e. learning the lessons even before the class takes place and coming the next day prepared for discussion with peers.

Looking beyond the conventional classroom

Unlike the conventional pattern of learning, where the teachers read from the text books and students take down the notes, in flipped learning, the notion of classroom-based learning is inverted. Students are exposed to the subject matter even before the actual class. The time in the classroom is utilised effectively by teachers to help students with difficult concepts and extending their learning to deeper levels. They get a chance to reflect on the material and complete their analysis without any pressure.

The biggest benefit of flipped learning is that it gives pedagogues more time to interact with students on a one-on-one basis and in small groups. Unlike a traditional classroom, where the students who actively participate in class tend to get the most attention, in a flipped classroom, each and every student’s progress is monitored, no matter his/ her abilities.

This allows students to retain information better, because it empowers them to think critically and truly absorb the information. In this way, it becomes easier for teachers to identify what the student is struggling with and provide them with adequate practice materials. In this type of learning, the focus is on students and not the instructor. The role of a teacher is of a facilitator in a flipped classroom. The teachers make sure that the students are guided well, their misconceptions are cleared and they are offered immediate feedback as per their progress.

The use of right tools 

It is an undisputed fact that smartphones, PCs, and other mobile media devices have opened up unlimited possibilities for learners everywhere. These devices have become ubiquitous and as a result, kids these days are consuming audio and video content like never before. When utilized as a combined learning and teaching methodology, these devices can reinforce the learning process. Furthermore, they can support a more active and learner-centered approach that contributes to increased student motivation and subsequent achievement. With computers and smart devices in almost every home, the flipped learning model has a huge potential to exert a positive and long-lasting influence on students.

Benefits for students

1. Flipped learning allows students to take charge of their own learning. It gives students a great opportunity to learn by themselves and avail the benefits of the traditional classroom. Learners can study at their own pace, giving teachers ample time to define the direction of the study material.

2. It is a great step towards redefining the role of teachers - shifting their role to that of amoderator and mentor – thus improving drastically the effectiveness of teaching in the classroom. When lessons are learnt by students beforehand, the subsequent discussions can be very immersive and engaging.

3. Flipped learning has enabled administrators, teachers and students to realise the importance of digital learning tools and implement them in the right manner to completely transform the overall learning experience.

4. This kind of learning is currently emerging as a promising pedagogy, in a way increasing the effectiveness of teaching and boosting student achievement.

5. Students can learn comfortably at their own pace, progress at their own speeds and motivate themselves to perform better.

6. Flipping the classroom gives students personalised education that is tailored to their individual needs. The learning model helps every student to succeed, irrespective of his/her skills and abilities.

— The writer is Co-founder and CEO, Next Education Pvt ltd.