You’ve probably heard of the concept of flipped classroom, as it is an educational methodology that has disrupted the schemes of traditional teaching. But do you know exactly what it consists of? Do you know the benefits of applying this educational methodology in your classroom? Would you know how to implement it effectively in your subject?

You will find all the answers to these questions (and more) in the post we bring you today about flipped classroom. Are you going to miss it?

And if you are interested in educational methodologies, don’t miss some of the other posts we have written about them: visual thinking methodology, emerging methodologies, or thinking-based learning, among others.

What is flipped classroom methodology and what does it consist of?

In broad terms, flipped classroom (also known as inverted classroom) is an educational methodology in which students are encouraged to prepare class content at home, so that subsequently in class they can carry out exercises, participatory activities, or projects.

Therefore, the order normally followed in traditional teaching of delivering content in class and doing homework at home is reversed. With flipped classroom, students access content outside of class, whether it be videos, readings, presentations…, and then in class, homework, group projects, debates, or practical activities are carried out, with the support of the teacher. In the completion of these activities, the concepts worked on at home by the students are reinforced and applied.

The main objective of the flipped classroom methodology is to promote a more participatory and active learning, adapting to the specific needs of the students, and focusing efforts on practical activities that allow the application of what has been learned.

Benefits of applying flipped classroom in your classroom

The application of the flipped classroom educational methodology in class brings many benefits, some of which are:

• Greater autonomy in learning: with flipped classroom, students are the protagonists and must ensure their own learning. Therefore, they have to organise themselves to acquire the necessary knowledge for the subsequent completion of activities in class.
• Better understanding of concepts: by working on content at home, students can dedicate time in class to ask questions, work to solve problems, and more easily consolidate knowledge. This leads to deeper learning and a better understanding of concepts.
• Development of critical thinking skills and teamwork: working on content at home and then carrying out activities in class fosters the development of digital competence (as new technologies are used), as well as greater critical thinking (since class activities consist of exchanging opinions, synthesising information, evaluating peers, etc.). Furthermore, teamwork is also encouraged in these activities, resulting in collaborative work to achieve better results.
• Increased interest and motivation of students: this methodology involves greater student participation, increasing their interest in the subject and motivating them to continue learning to apply knowledge in class.

How to effectively implement flipped classroom: tools and resources

Are you clear that you would like to try implementing flipped classroom in your subject? Now, the next step is to read the tips we give you to do it effectively. Take note!

1. Plan classes and activities: to ensure that you carry out flipped classroom effectively, you have to plan classes and activities in advance, as well as prepare the resources that your students will use to prepare lessons at home. A good way to do this is with Additio App, as you have a lesson planner linked to competencies and evaluation criteria. Plus, you can easily send all the resources you want to send to your students, either via email or through the Edvoice communication platform.
2. Use a variety of content, and rely on new technologies: to maintain the interest and motivation of students, look for other types of content for home, not just readings. You can use videos, podcasts, news, interactive games… You’re sure to find plenty of resources to use in your classes! Tip: digital resources will attract more attention from your students.
3. In class, use different activities: apart from debates and group work, you can carry out other types of activities, such as interactive quizzes (like the ones you can do with Additio App) to check the level of consolidation of knowledge, role-playing games, or digital escape rooms.
4. Explain to your students what these sessions will consist of: to ensure that everyone understands the objective of these flipped classroom sessions, take some time to explain to the students how these lessons will work, what is expected of them, and how assessment will be done.
5. Continuous improvement: as you carry out flipped classroom activities, assess their results and apply necessary corrective measures. You can ask your students for feedback to improve the content and activities to be carried out in class.

Flipped classroom or inverted classroom: empowering skills, not memorization

In summary, with the educational methodology of flipped classroom, the aim is to reduce memorization-based learning and move towards action-based learning. In this way, skills such as critical thinking and teamwork are enhanced.

Do you already use this type of methodology in your classroom? What advice would you give to a teacher who wants to implement it? Tell us on social media: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Youtube.

Remember that with the features of Additio App, it’s very easy for you to start preparing lessons and content based on flipped classroom. Plus, you have several licences, one of them completely free, so you have no excuse not to try the platform and start implementing lessons based on flipped classroom.

See you in the next post, my friend!