Flipped Classroom

Flipped Classroom

Pre-learn at home, apply and deepen in class

30–55 min10–40 studentsStandard classroom, flexible for group activities during class

At a Glance

Duration

30–55 min

Group Size

10–40 students

Space Setup

Standard classroom, flexible for group activities during class

Materials

  • Pre-class content (video/reading with guiding questions)
  • Readiness check or entrance ticket
  • In-class application activity
  • Reflection journal

Bloom's Taxonomy

UnderstandApplyAnalyze

SEL Competencies

Self-ManagementSelf-Awareness

What is Flipped Classroom?

The Flipped Classroom is a pedagogical model that moves direct instruction from the group learning space to the individual learning space, allowing the classroom to become a dynamic, interactive environment for applying concepts. By delivering foundational content via pre-recorded videos or readings before class, educators reclaim valuable synchronous time for high-order cognitive tasks, collaborative problem-solving, and personalized feedback. This methodology works because it aligns with Bloom’s Taxonomy by shifting lower-level cognitive work (remembering and understanding) to the home, while reserving the teacher's expertise for higher-level work (applying and analyzing) during class. Students gain autonomy over the pace of their initial exposure to material, which reduces cognitive load and allows for more meaningful peer-to-peer interaction. Research indicates that this shift increases student engagement and improves learning outcomes by fostering an active learning environment where teachers act as facilitators rather than lecturers. Ultimately, the 'flip' transforms the teacher from the 'sage on the stage' to the 'guide on the side,' ensuring that the most difficult parts of the learning process (application and synthesis) occur when the student has the most support available.

Ideal for

Maximizing in-class active learning timeDifferentiating pace of content deliveryBuilding student responsibility and self-pacingFreeing class time for hands-on application

When to Use It

Grade Bands

K-2 –3-5 ✓6-8 ★9-12 ★

Subject Fit

Math ★ELA ✓Science ★Social Studies ★SEL ✓Arts ✓

How to Run a Flipped Classroom

1

Identify Key Concepts

Select a specific unit or lesson where students often struggle with application and would benefit from more in-class support.

2

Curate or Create Content

Develop short (5-10 minute) instructional videos or select targeted readings that cover the foundational 'remembering' and 'understanding' phases.

3

Establish an Accountability Mechanism

Create a brief pre-class assessment, such as a 3-question Google Form or a guided notes sheet, to verify students engaged with the material.

4

Design Active Learning Activities

Plan in-class tasks like Socratic seminars, lab experiments, or collaborative problem sets that require students to apply the pre-learned concepts.

5

Facilitate Small Group Support

Use class time to circulate among groups, providing targeted interventions for students who struggled with the pre-class content.

6

Synthesize and Review

Conclude the lesson with a brief whole-group reflection or 'exit ticket' to solidify the connections between the home study and class application.

Research Evidence

Akçayır, G., Akçayır, M.

2018 · Computers & Education, 126, 334-345

The study found that the flipped model significantly improves student learning performance and satisfaction compared to traditional lecture-based formats.

Hew, K. F., Lo, C. K.

2018 · BMC Medical Education, 18(1), 38

A meta-analysis revealed that flipped classrooms are more effective than traditional classrooms for achieving higher-level learning outcomes across various disciplines.

Cheng, L., Ritzhaupt, A. D., Antonenko, P.

2019 · Educational Technology Research and Development, 67(4), 793-824

This research confirms that the flipped classroom strategy has a moderate positive effect on student learning outcomes across diverse educational levels and subjects.

Topics That Work Well With Flipped Classroom

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Crisis and Change: The 14th Century

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Flipped Classroom model?
The Flipped Classroom is an instructional strategy where students learn foundational content at home through videos or readings and use class time for active problem-solving. This reversal ensures that teachers are present when students are performing the most difficult tasks. It prioritizes active learning over passive listening.
What are the benefits of Flipped Classroom for students?
The primary benefit is increased student agency, as learners can pause, rewind, and review instructional content at their own pace. It also provides more opportunities for peer collaboration and immediate teacher feedback during class. This leads to deeper conceptual understanding and higher engagement levels.
How do I start a Flipped Classroom with no technology?
While often associated with video, a 'flip' can be achieved using physical readings, guided workbooks, or observation tasks completed before class. The core requirement is that the 'input' happens independently so the 'output' can happen collaboratively. Teachers can use printed packets or textbook sections as the primary pre-class material.
How do I ensure students do the pre-class work?
Incentivize completion by using low-stakes entrance tickets, online quizzes, or required note-taking templates that are checked at the door. If students realize class activities are impossible to complete without the background knowledge, compliance naturally increases. Consistency in the routine is key to building student accountability.
Is the Flipped Classroom effective for all subjects?
The model is highly effective for subjects requiring procedural knowledge or heavy analysis, such as Math, Science, and Social Studies. In ELA or Arts, it allows for more time dedicated to writing workshops and creative critiques. However, it requires careful adaptation for younger students (K-2) who may lack the independent study skills required.

Generate a Mission with Flipped Classroom

Use Flip Education to create a complete Flipped Classroom lesson plan, aligned to your curriculum and ready to use in class.

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