Flipped Classroom

The flipped classroom is an innovative instructional approach that inverts the traditional model of teaching. In conventional classrooms, the teacher delivers lecture content during class time while students complete assignments or homework independently. The flipped classroom reverses this paradigm: students are introduced to new material outside of class—most commonly through video lectures, readings, or other digital resources—while in-class time is devoted to engaging activities, discussions, problem-solving, and practical application of knowledge. This shift allows students to learn at their own pace outside the classroom and engage deeply with concepts through teacher-guided, collaborative activities during class hours.

One of the primary foundations of the flipped classroom model is constructivist learning theory, which emphasizes active engagement and knowledge construction rather than passive reception. By leveraging technology, the flipped classroom addresses diverse learning styles: students can pause, rewind, or re-watch recorded lessons to ensure understanding, catering to individual needs. When students arrive in class, their time is optimized through peer collaboration, targeted feedback from instructors, and hands-on exercises that reinforce and extend learning. This student-centered approach promotes higher-order cognitive skills such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, as opposed to rote memorization or surface-level comprehension.

Empirical evidence increasingly supports the efficacy of the flipped classroom model. Studies have reported improved student engagement, satisfaction, and achievement across various educational settings, particularly in STEM disciplines and higher education. However, successful implementation requires careful planning: educators must prepare high-quality pre-class materials, design meaningful in-class activities, and ensure that all students have access to necessary technology. Potential challenges such as varying student motivation, digital divide issues, and increased preparatory workload for instructors must be addressed. Overall, the flipped classroom represents a significant shift toward more interactive, personalized, and effective learning environments, harnessing both technological advances and pedagogical insights to transform education. 

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