Flipped Classroom

The flipped classroom is an instructional model that reverses the traditional educational arrangement by shifting the direct instruction of core concepts outside the classroom and transforming in-class time into opportunities for active learning and inquiry. Traditionally, teachers deliver lectures during class and assign tasks such as homework or problem sets for students to complete independently. In contrast, the flipped classroom approach requires students to engage with new material in advance—often through teacher-prepared video lectures, podcasts, readings, or other digital resources—before coming to class. As a result, valuable classroom time is repurposed for collaborative activities, discussions, problem-solving, and application-based exercises under the direct supervision of the instructor.

This pedagogical strategy draws upon principles of active learning, constructivism, and blended learning. Research suggests that the flipped classroom approach can foster deeper understanding and improve learning outcomes by allowing students to absorb basic information at their own pace, rewinding or reviewing as needed. During in-class sessions, students benefit from peer collaboration, immediate feedback, and hands-on guidance from instructors—a setting conducive to higher-order thinking and skill development. Moreover, the flipped model encourages self-regulation and student autonomy, as learners take greater responsibility for their preparation and engagement with learning materials before coming to class.

Despite its many advantages, successful implementation of the flipped classroom requires careful planning and consideration of potential challenges. Instructors must curate or create high-quality preparatory materials, anticipate diverse learning needs, and design meaningful in-class activities that go beyond rote repetition. It is also essential to ensure equitable access to digital resources and to foster student buy-in, as some learners may be unfamiliar with—or resistant to—the new workflow. Nevertheless, the flipped classroom represents an evolving, evidence-based approach that leverages technology and active learning to transform the classroom into a dynamic environment where conceptual understanding and critical thinking flourish. 

PhDr. Pavel Bartoš, LL.M., DBA (Evropská akademie vzdělávání / European Academy of education)