Flipped Classroom

The concept of the “flipped classroom” has gained significant traction in recent years as an innovative pedagogical strategy designed to improve student engagement and learning outcomes. At its core, the flipped classroom inverts traditional teaching methods: rather than introducing new content during in-person class time and assigning homework for practice, students first encounter new material outside of class, typically through video lectures, reading assignments, or interactive online modules. In-class time is then repurposed for active learning activities, such as discussions, problem-solving exercises, and collaborative projects, where students can deepen their understanding and apply what they’ve learned.

The theoretical foundation of the flipped classroom is rooted in active learning and constructivist theories, which posit that learners construct knowledge more effectively through active engagement and hands-on experiences. By shifting the initial exposure to content outside of the classroom, students can progress at their own pace, rewatching video lectures or revisiting complex concepts as needed. This self-paced learning can be particularly beneficial for diverse classrooms where students may have varying levels of prior knowledge and learning speeds. Moreover, the availability of digital content allows for greater flexibility, enabling students to learn at times and locations that suit their individual schedules.

Research on the efficacy of the flipped classroom model has shown promising results, with many studies reporting improvements in student performance, engagement, and satisfaction. For instance, a meta-analysis of flipped classroom studies in STEM education found that students in flipped classrooms outperformed their peers in traditional settings on both standardized tests and course-specific assessments. Additionally, this model promotes increased interaction between students and instructors, as well as among students themselves, fostering a more collaborative and supportive learning environment. However, successful implementation of the flipped classroom requires careful planning and a commitment to high-quality instructional design, including the creation of engaging and effective out-of-class materials and the development of meaningful in-class activities that reinforce and expand upon the online content. 

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