Flipping the classroom - a fad or the future standard of learning?

Today we speak with Alice Shepherd from the University of Leeds, Cathy Myles from Leeds University Business School and Dr Keith Halcro from Glasgow Caledonian University to talk about their experiences and the challenges they faced.

What is your experience of the flipped classroom?

Shepherd: ‘Students are more interactive in class, better prepared, and ask more questions. Thus, more opportunities to assess individual students’ progress as well as cohort areas of difficulty.’

We use management simulations, business games and while the student feedback is great, they especially enjoy the relevance.

 What challenges did you face whilst changing your classroom and how did you overcome them?

 Myles believes that ‘The challenge is getting students, and particularly groups, to work effectively and efficiently. Whilst most students and groups will work effectively, if one member of a group is perceived to not be contributing fairly, it can cause tensions and anxieties in a group. This is a challenge for the tutors and the students, but is reflective of real life situations and, as such, a great learning experience. For this reason, unless it is absolutely essential, it is considered more beneficial for the tutors to provide advice, but not interfere in group dynamics.’

 Do you think these trends are a fad or the future standard of learning?

 ‘Definitely not a fad – technology may change the perception, but the idea of interactivity, using variety and active approaches is not new; just easier to enable through the technology currently available’ Myles and Shepherd note. ‘Delivering a subject well requires a holistic approach. We use management simulations, business games and while the student feedback is great, they especially enjoy the relevance. As we say, variety is the spice of life.’ Halcro adds.

Do you also want to flip your classroom? Contact us!

Special thanks to:

•       Alice Shepherd BSc (Hons), MA (ODE) (Open), FCA, SFHEA, The University of Leeds

•       Cathy Myles BA (Hons), FCA, PGCHE, SFHEA, Leeds University Business School

•       Dr Keith Halcro BA Management, International Tourism and Hospitality, Glasgow Caledonian University