Flipped Classroom

The flipped classroom is an instructional strategy and a type of blended learning that reverses the traditional learning environment by delivering instructional content, often online, outside of the classroom. It moves activities, including those that may have traditionally been considered homework, into the classroom. This approach is grounded in the idea that classroom time can be better utilized for engaging in interactive learning activities, where students can be guided by their teacher and collaborate with their peers.

In a typical flipped classroom model, students first engage with new material outside of class, usually through video lectures or reading assignments. Unlike the traditional model where the teacher introduces new content and then sends students home to practice, the flipped model involves students gaining first exposure to the material before class. This allows students to familiarize themselves with the subject matter on their own time and at their own pace, pausing or reviewing the material as needed. As a result, classroom time is then dedicated to deepening understanding through discussion, problem-solving, experiments, and peer-to-peer learning.

Implementing a flipped classroom can have several benefits. It encourages students to take more responsibility for their own learning, as they must prepare for class discussions and activities by engaging with the material in advance. During class, teachers can more readily identify and address individual student’s learning obstacles, given that they can observe students as they apply concepts and work through problems. Furthermore, the flipped classroom promotes a more student-centered learning environment, where students are actively involved in the learning process. This can lead to improved student motivation and engagement. However, this approach does require careful planning and flexibility on the part of the teacher, as well as access to technology for students outside of the classroom. It also assumes that students will come to class prepared, which may not always be the case. Despite these challenges, many educators find that the flipped classroom model facilitates a more interactive and personalized learning experience that can lead to improved student outcomes. 

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