The flipped classroom is becoming a more and more popular way of teaching each year. Not only has it shown an increase in results, but students much prefer the style of learning over more traditional methods. 

What Is A Flipped Classroom?

A ‘flipped classroom‘ is a type of blended learning that focuses on student engagement and active learning. In the classes, students arrive, having already learned a portion of the classwork. They then spend class time working on projects or doing classwork independently, with the teacher’s assistance. 

However, many people do not understand what a flipped classroom is and why it is so beneficial. We will be discussing 7 misconceptions about this educational approach.

You Flip The Classroom Or You Don’t 

Many people believe that the flipped classroom is black or white. In other words, you either completely flip the classroom, or you don’t flip it at all. 

However, this is simply not true. Teachers can flip the classroom for one lecture or for an entire semester. They can decide whether or not a specific section requires a flipped classroom or not.

‘Flipped Classroom’ Is Simply A Buzzword

The flipped classroom approach has been around for many years, even though it may not have been known as ‘flipped education.’ Regardless, making students arrive prepared to class and spending lessons discussing work is a very effective way of teaching. 

The At-home Content Has To Be A Video

Videos are the most popular form of flipped content. However, this does not mean that all the content has to be taught via videos.

Teachers can decide what type of content they want their students to look over. Some prefer videos, others use PowerPoints, and some simply go with old-fashioned textbooks. 

Students can use platforms such as Pedagogue to interact with their classmates when completing the at-home content.

The Teacher Has To Be In The Video

Many people believe that teachers have to feature in the video’s that they give their students. This is partly because they are paid for their teaching skills – this means that they have to teach the children, even if it is through a video, right?

Wrong. Not all teachers are natural in front of a camera – this means that they won’t do the lesson justice. There are plenty of educational videos online, such as TED Talks or The Khan Academy. 

The Teacher Needs To Be Technologically Smart

A flipped classroom does require the use of technology. However, it requires basic skills that most people will have. 

It Takes Too Much Time To Flip A Classroom

Flipping the classroom does take time, but only initially. In fact, after it has been implemented, it will end up saving time. 

Student’s May Not Like The Approach

Teenagers are known for hating homework and avoiding schoolwork when at home. This could become a massive problem for the flipped classroom, as some students could neglect the pre-lesson work. 

However, if teachers ask individual students questions on the work in every lesson, this will motivate them to put in the work at home. Nobody wants to be called out in front of the class for not doing what was asked of them.