In a normal classroom, the teacher gives a lesson. Students listen, take notes, then do homework later. In a flipped classroom, this order changes.
Students learn the lesson at home. Then they do the work in class. They ask questions, solve problems, and talk with the teacher. This gives more time for practice and help during school.
You may be a teacher who wants more time with students. Or you might be a parent who wants to know how your child learns. The flipped classroom is a simple idea that can help.
How It Works
In a flipped classroom, students start learning before class. They read something or watch a short video at home. This gives them the first look at a topic.
Then, in class, they do activities that help them understand more. They might do a worksheet, a project, or a group task. The teacher walks around, helps when needed, and checks if students understand.
This way, students come to class ready to work. They already know the basics. Class time is for asking, sharing, and learning together.
Why More Teachers Use It
Many teachers say lectures take up most of their class time. But not all students learn this way. Some don’t follow along. Others need more time to understand.
With the flipped model, students learn at their own pace at home. They can pause or rewind the video. They can take notes without rushing.
In class, the teacher sees who needs help. They can explain again or give extra practice. Students who understand can move ahead. Everyone gets what they need.
What Students Think
Many students like the flipped classroom. They say they don’t feel as lost. They feel more ready in class. They can ask questions without feeling behind.
Some students say they learn better when they can stop and review the lesson. Others enjoy working in groups and talking through problems.
But some students say it takes time to get used to. They must do the work at home to stay on track.
Good Things About Flipped Classrooms
1. More Time to Practice in Class
Class time is not for listening to long talks. It’s for doing the work. Students get to try, ask, and fix mistakes right away.
2. Better Help From Teachers
Teachers can work with students one by one or in small groups. They see who needs help and give it on the spot.
3. Students Learn Together
Group work, questions, and talking help students stay active in class. They don’t just sit and listen.
4. Learn at Your Own Speed
At home, students can watch videos as many times as they want. They can take notes slowly and pause when needed.
5. Students Do Better
Many studies show flipped classrooms can help students understand more. They do better on tests, especially in math and science.
Some Problems With This Model
1. Some Students Skip the Work
If students don’t do the home lesson, they come to class unprepared. This makes it hard to follow the activities.
2. Not Everyone Has Internet or a Device
Some students don’t have a computer or good internet. This makes it hard for them to watch videos at home.
3. Teachers Need More Time to Prepare
Teachers must make or find good videos or readings. This can take time, especially at the start.
4. Class Time Is Noisy and Busy
With many students doing different things, class can feel less quiet. Teachers must keep students on task.
5. Not All Lessons Work This Way
Some subjects may not fit the flipped model. It depends on what you teach and what students need.
How To Start a Flipped Classroom
You don’t need to change everything right away. Start small.
1. Pick One Topic
Choose one lesson that is hard for students. Try flipping that one first.
2. Make or Find a Short Video
You can record your voice and slides. Or write on paper and film it. Keep it short. About 5 to 10 minutes is best.
Or use a video from a site you trust. Many good ones are free.
3. Tell Students What To Do at Home
Give clear steps. Ask them to take notes, answer questions, or take a short quiz after the video.
4. Plan What Students Will Do in Class
Don’t repeat the video. Instead, give practice problems, small group tasks, or short projects.
5. Check and Improve
Ask students what they think. Watch how they do. Change things if needed.
Tools That Can Help You
Here are some tools many teachers use:
For Videos
- Loom
- Screencast-O-Matic
- YouTube
- Edpuzzle (lets you add questions to videos)
For Assignments
- Google Classroom
- Canvas
- Moodle
For Quick Checks and Quizzes
- Kahoot
- Quizizz
- Google Forms
You don’t need to use them all. Pick what works best for your students.
What Makes a Flipped Classroom Work Well
Give Clear Instructions
Tell students what they need to do at home. Give simple steps and reasons.
Use Good Videos
Keep videos short. Use simple words. Speak clearly. Show examples.
Make Class Time Active
Let students work, talk, and ask questions. Don’t just talk at them.
Do It Often
One flipped lesson won’t change much. Try it often. Over time, it gets easier.
Can This Work for Young Children?
Yes. But it needs more support.
Keep videos very short. Maybe 2 to 5 minutes. Use pictures and simple words.
Parents may need to help. So keep homework simple. Use worksheets, drawing, or short talks at home.
In class, keep the same routine. Young children do best with structure.
Read: Classroom G Plus Explained: How to Use Classroom G+ for Your Teaching and Learning
Does This Mean No Homework?
Not really. But homework changes.
Now, homework is the lesson. It is short and focused. In class, students do the hard part. You help them when they need it most.
Always check if students did the home part. Use a short quiz or ask one or two quick questions to see.
What the Research Shows
Studies say flipped classrooms help in many ways:
- Students do better in tests
- They feel more ready and less stressed
- Teachers spend less time repeating the same lesson
- Class becomes more active and fun
But it only works if students do the home work. It also needs good planning.
Why Try the Flipped Classroom?
Because students learn better when they practice more. They learn more when they get help in class. They feel more in control when they can study at their own speed.
The flipped classroom gives time for all this. It’s not perfect, but it helps.
If you’re a teacher who wants to spend less time talking and more time helping, start small. Try one flipped lesson next week. Then see what happens.
Conclusion
The flipped classroom changes the way students learn and how you teach. It takes the lesson out of the classroom and brings the work back in. This gives students more time to ask questions, practice, and understand.
You don’t need to flip every lesson to see results. Start small. Try one topic. Use a short video and a simple task in class. Watch how your students respond.
This model gives students more control. It gives teachers more time to help. And it makes class time more useful.
FAQs
What is a flipped classroom in simple words?
Students watch the lesson at home. In class, they ask questions and do the work.
Do students like the flipped model?
Many do. They feel ready and enjoy learning in class with help.
Do I need to make my own videos?
No. You can use free videos online. But making your own can help match your teaching style.
What if students don’t watch the video?
Check before class. Give a short quiz or ask a few questions. Make the video short and easy to follow.
Can young kids use this model?
Yes, but they need help. Use short videos, simple tasks, and involve parents.
Is the flipped classroom better than traditional teaching?
It depends. For some students, it helps a lot. Others may need more support. Try and see what works best.
How can I flip my class if students don’t have internet?
You can give printed materials or save videos on USB drives. Some schools offer tablets or Wi-Fi hotspots.
What if I don’t have time to flip every lesson?
You don’t have to. Start with one. Flip a hard topic first. See how it goes.
