The flipped learning concept has proven revolutionary in classrooms. When appropriately implemented, flipped learning can dramatically enhance learning by creating learner engagement, encouraging group discussion, and creating time and space for professors to identify and work with struggling students.
However, like all learning styles, there are specific settings where flipped classrooms can work better than others.
Pre-Existing Knowledge
The core of flipped learning requires students to come to class ready to participate in small group discussions or activities. When students have pre-existing knowledge of the topic, learning can be far more effective than traditional routes. It requires students to prepare before any lesson, allowing them to learn at their own pace and build on what they already know.
To that end, a critical component of any flipped classroom management requires learners to engage in reading, research or other forms of learning before participating in the classroom.
Active Learning
Flipped learning is a form of active learning. Ideally, your flipped classroom will be packed with various active learning strategies that mesh with your technological platform and ensure that anyone engaged in distance learning can use your technology. To achieve this, you can tools like SoftChalk that have the ideal engagement features like interactive activities for all learning styles to increase student engagement and learning outcomes.
Active learning is successful because it allows students to apply what they learn during a class. Professors can excel at building learner engagement when active learning takes place through discussions, problem-solving, and collaboration. Building this type of engagement via online learning can be challenging, particularly if instructors are unprepared to cater to all learning styles. Fortunately, SoftChalk’s variety of Interactives such as jigsaw puzzles, image labeling, dragndrop, sorting and more can ensure instructors have the right tools to increase student engagement via distance education.
Complex Topics
A flipped classroom allows instructors to teach students piece by piece. Learners can complete assignments or other pre-work ahead of time. From there, educators can allow students to engage in small group discussions or lesson-appropriate projects to encourage comprehension and understanding. The main benefit is that learners can develop a broader comprehension of the topic on their own time, at a pace that works for them.
This strategy allows educators more time to identify problems. For example, if a student struggles to understand a topic, professors can use flipped learning to flag issues and address them before they become intractable. Furthermore, group projects can help struggling students understand the material in question better.
Educators need the best possible technological integration and access to a high-quality content-authoring platform to get the most out of active learning.
Technology Integration
Educators need the best possible technological integration and access to a high-quality content-authoring platform to get the most out of active learning. A platform like SoftChalk, can:
- Ensure online learning is easy and on the go, and learners can use any device necessary to maximize their understanding of the material
- Be applicable to numerous learning styles and students with accessibility accomodations
- Allow educators to create high-quality content and lessons, without advanced technical skills
- Offer insight and examples into best practices used by other educators using the learning repository, allowing institutions to build on already-established expertise and design lessons that work
Flipped classrooms differ from a “set it and forget it” teaching method with technology as a facilitator, not a replacement, for teaching.
Educator Facilitation
Flipped classrooms differ from a “set it and forget it” teaching method with technology as a facilitator, not a replacement, for teaching. SoftChalk and other tools work well when educators actively facilitate all in-class activities and discussions.
High quality content authoring platforms like SoftChalk can significantly assist in this process by:
- Developing practice and learning materials that align with research-based standards of pedagogy and andragogy.
- Giving educators access to sample activities, sample lessons, and tutorials that ensure all educators have the resources they need to teach.
With these methods, educators can maximize in-class time. Instead of delivering lessons that students can learn outside the classroom, instructors can use class time to answer questions, clarify doubts, ensure practical understanding, and guide practical applications.
Continuous Feedback
Active learning comes with a critical prerequisite: It assumes that educators are ready and willing to seek out regular assessments and feedback mechanisms. With proper use of these tools, professors can ensure that students learn what they need and keep up with the pace. Quizzes, and other assesment features that tools like SoftChalk offer allow learners to proceed to the subsequent lessons and build a foundational understanding of the material.
Continuous feedback also requires educators to have access to the right tools. SoftChalk offers features that can increase student engagement and monitor learning outcomes. This includes:
- Dozens of interactive activities that professors can customize to fit their needs
- A data-informed approach to learning using ScoreCenter that shows how learner progress as they complete lessons, quizzes, and other assessments
- Flexible tracking options that can automate progress tracking, allowing professors to save time and concentrate on designing instructional material rather than creating reports
Make Flipped Learning Work For You
Distance learning and distance education can be challenging to manage, even in the best circumstances. Flipped learning can be highly successful under the right circumstances and when armed with the right technological platform. Award winning platforms like SoftChalk are ideal for educators looking to achieve these goals. We also offer custom solutions to help you scale a technological platform for your institution.
Ready to learn more? Start your 14-day trial of SoftChalk.
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