What is a "Flipped Classroom"?

A flipped classroom is known as a way to pursue "active learning" in a classroom. This classroom structure has the students doing lectures and other types of instruction outside of class time. Therefore, class time is used for discussion of materials and applying critical thinking skills. The students do all of the assigned work as "homework" outside of class time and then they come in to class prepared to discuss or do an activity that relates to the content that was read or watched. This is an amazing way to have deeper class discussions and allow for peer collaboration. The students are given the materials beforehand, so the teacher has to be organized and on top of the schedule, in order for no one to fall behind! This approach allows for many benefits in a classroom. Harvard University lists benefits of flipped classrooms as being flexible, having student's being able to pursue the materials at their own pace, and student responsibility is increased. The students are able to access materials and learn the content before the class; they can also reach out for help or come to class with questions prepared. It allows for a more student directed and deep-diving in-class conversation. 

I have had a flipped classroom in many of my college classes. I have really enjoyed the atmosphere that a flipped classroom has created. It allows the student to go about the materials in their own way. Personally, I am a slower reader and note taker, so this approach allows me to take my time and really digest the lecture, videos, and other reading materials that are assigned. My in class experiences have been less stressful as well. I have felt more excited to go to class and really learn by having discussions with my

  A classroom discussion, where students can
 ask clarifying  questions from the materials
they learned outside of the classroom.

peers and relate the content to the real world, instead of sitting and taking notes on a lecture. Additionally, it creates responsibility and independence for the student, which are both important life skills. The in class discussion becomes much more rich and student led as well, because everyone is already aware of the content. I think that during this time of COVID-19 this approach is ideal because if a student is sick or having to quarantine, then they will not miss out in the content of the course. The student would only miss the deeper dive of discussions, but no content. I think that this approach would be harder for elementary and middle school students. The younger students need the one on one teacher contact, which comes with in class teachings. However, when students gain the skills of good note taking, then they will no longer need the one on one connection with the teacher to take successful lecture notes. Overall, this approach is a great technique that should be integrated in upper high school classrooms or college courses, because they are self-sufficient.