A flipped learning classroom turns the traditional model of teaching on its head. Instead of using class time for direct instruction, educators assign core content like video lectures or readings for students to review before class. Then, in-person sessions become a space for discussion, group work, and applied learning.
In this article, we’ll explain what a flipped classroom is, how to implement them, and why they’re gaining popularity across various disciplines and grade levels.
How does a flipped classroom work?
Flipped learning is structured around when and where students first encounter new material. Instead of getting information during a live lecture, students come to class having already engaged with the content in some way.
This flipped classroom approach gives students the opportunity to absorb information at their own pace and come to class ready for deeper engagement. Meanwhile, instructors can spend more time addressing questions, guiding exercises, or providing targeted support. Essentially, the flipped classroom model supports active learning while improving retention and making better use of class time.
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What happens before class
In a flipped classroom, instructional content is delivered asynchronously. Students may watch short videos, complete readings, or engage in digital lessons before attending class. This phase replaces the traditional lecture and allows students to have more control over how they absorb the material. Many teachers use platforms to host and organize these videos because it allows for advanced privacy settings, closed captioning, and a video library all in one place.
What happens during class
Once in the classroom, the focus is on applying knowledge. Usually, students participate in problem-solving sessions and small group activities. This approach encourages student engagement and helps instructors better assess learning outcomes in real time because students become active participants rather than passive listeners. Instructors can then observe student understanding firsthand and ask clarifying questions or give instruction immediately.
Role of the teacher
The role of a teacher or instructor in a flipped classroom is that of a facilitator or coach. Instead of leading lectures, they guide activities, address misunderstandings, and offer support. This method makes the learning experience more collaborative and targeted.
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Did you know?
The flipped classroom model isn't just for traditional education. For example, when Vimeo recently launched a new product, the sales enablement team used video learning modules to train the sales team. This allowed everyone to engage with the core material beforehand, leading to more in-depth questions and a richer discussion about how workspaces would enhance customer use of Vimeo during their live session. This real-world application for learning and development demonstrates how flipped learning can lead to deeper understanding and more productive in-person interactions across various fields.
5 steps to flipping a classroom
Since flipping the classroom is a major change to the usual structure, there’s a lot to consider. Here’s a five-step guide to flipping a classroom.
1. Identify the key learning objectives
Start by defining what students should know by the end of the lesson. This will shape your choice of materials and activities. Try to focus on objectives that are supported by asynchronous content as well as in-class interaction.
2. Create or source instructional content
Develop your own instructional content, or curate it from trusted sources. Either way, aim for clarity and brevity in the material and use videos that are about 5–10 minutes long to hold attention. And consider adding short quizzes or interactive videos to boost engagement.
3. Assign pre-class materials
Since a key component of the flipped classroom is the students’ individual interaction with the content before attending class, it’s important to communicate expectations clearly. Students should know when and how they should review the materials, and why it matters.
4. Design interactive, in-class activities
When it comes to the in-class/lecture phase of the flipped classroom, you should plan classroom sessions around applying the knowledge. Include interactive activities such as case studies, group tasks, peer instruction, or open-ended questions that push students to think critically.
5. Use video analytics and classroom feedback to adjust
After a class or lecture, review which videos were watched and how students engaged with the content, like whether they took optional quizzes or played optional retention-enhancing games. Many platforms even offer video analytics you can use to track who watched your videos and for how long, to refine your content and adjust your teaching plan.
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Flipped classroom models to consider
Here are some of the most common ways to flip a classroom.
Traditional flip
In a traditional flipped classroom model, students watch pre-recorded videos and complete readings before class. During class, they engage in deeper content analysis and group activities.
Peer instruction
With this approach, students review material before class and then demonstrate their understanding by explaining concepts to one another during class. This method not only ensures students engage with the pre-class materials but also encourages collaboration and critical thinking.
Group-based learning
Group-based flipped learning means the pre-class materials prepare students for team-based projects and group problem-solving. This model helps learners practice their communication and delegation skills. It’s also great for finding out what kind of group learner each student is. Teachers might encourage those prone to leadership to try following and vice versa to round out these skillsets.
In-class flip
In an in-class flip model, students rotate between “content stations” set up within the classroom. The content stations can vary between watching videos, completing tasks, and working with the instructor.
This variation of the flipped classroom model is often used when tech access outside of the classroom is limited and students may not have the ability to watch pre-class videos.
To support any of these models, instructors can use a platform like Vimeo, Kaltura, or Wistia to host and organize videos, as well as maintain version history, track engagement, and protect content with customizable privacy settings.
Pros and cons of the flipped classroom model
Understanding both the flipped classroom advantages and potential drawbacks can help instructors decide how to adapt the approach to their teaching style, their subject matter, and students’ needs. Here are some benefits and challenges to consider before flipping.
Benefits
- Increased student engagement: Students come to class ready to participate in activities and discussions regarding the content they’ve already reviewed.
- Personalized support during class: Instructors can offer one-on-one help and address specific challenges because they aren't spending class time giving lectures.
- Higher material retention: Applying concepts during class in various ways reinforces learning.
- Self-paced learning: Students can interact with the content at their pace.
Challenges
- Requires preparation from students: The flipped classroom model depends almost entirely on students completing pre-class work.
- Technology access and literacy: Students will need access to the required devices and reliable internet.
- Time investment for educators: Preparing high-quality videos and in-class activities takes time.
FAQ
What’s the best video learning platform?
The best platform for video learning depends on your goals, but a platform like Vimeo can be a top choice for educators who want a secure, customizable, and easy-to-manage video hosting solution. Vimeo supports streamlined video creation, closed captioning, and integrations with major storage and sending platforms, like Google Drive and Dropbox. Vimeo has evolved into a robust choice for education, providing professional-quality tools for secure hosting, detailed analytics, customization options, and interactive video features along with LMS integrations. This makes it perfect for anyone looking to create a branded and controlled learning experience on their own website.
Similarly, Wistia, Kaltura and Brightcove also offer customizable video management systems, with features for virtual classrooms, lecture capture, and LMS integrations. Other good choices for formal education and certified courses from universities include Coursera and edX.
What are the best examples of flipped classroom activities?
Examples of flipped classroom activities include group problem-solving, Socratic seminars, peer feedback sessions, collaborative writing, and case study discussions. The best flipped classroom activities match your subject matter and encourage interaction and participation.
What are common mistakes to avoid when implementing flipped learning?
Common mistakes to avoid when implementing flipped learning include assigning too much content before class, failing to explain the purpose of flipped learning to students, and not using classroom time effectively. It’s also important to make sure students have access to the tech they need to succeed in a flipped classroom environment.
Flip your classroom with Vimeo
Implementing the flipped classroom model doesn’t require a major overhaul. With clear objectives, engaging interactive videos, and well-structured class activities, you can create a more effective and inclusive learning environment.
Vimeo gives educators the tools to make all this happen. From hosting and organizing your instructional videos to tracking viewer engagement, Vimeo’s Education Solutions are built for the needs of modern flipped classrooms.
