Flipped learning explained: Strategies, benefits and the role of digital tools

Flipped learning — also known as flipped classrooms — inverts the usual teaching experience by providing students with foundational materials such as short videos to engage with ahead of their lessons. By flipping the order of tasks, in-person teaching time can be used to solidify and expand on learning.

Flipped classrooms emerged as a response to the need for more personalised, engaging and interactive learning. This model seeks to move away from the typical “lecture then homework” sequence, instead allowing students to arrive in class with basic knowledge already in place. They can then gain in-person feedback and test out concepts with their teachers and peers during the lesson. It’s a valuable use of teaching time — students can gain greater clarity and awareness, plus knowledge gaps can be addressed in the moment.

How does flipped learning work?

In practice, flipped learning can be successful in a range of classroom environments with the correct preparation. These are the core components of flipped learning:

Pre-class preparation

Students need the correct information and resources in advance — you could think of it as homework, with the order flipped. Engaging, interactive materials such as short videos of around three to five minutes can be a great help, providing information in an accessible format for students to digest independently. Other supplementary materials could include paragraphs of material to read, presentations, infographics or websites that feature interactive games and quizzes.

Active learning in class

Interactive activities awaken students’ curiosity as well as testing their understanding. This is your time to address concerns, improve knowledge and guide students in the application of newly-learned concepts. Useful activities might include group discussions and debates, problem-solving activities, interactive assessments, quizzes and Q&A sessions.

Technology

Technology helps to add variety, increase interactivity and break subject matter down into bitesize chunks. Completing tasks within a platform also helps make self-learning more visible, as teachers can see who has completed the tasks and what they have achieved. Flipped learning resources can often be repurposed from existing school tools or learning packages, and integrated content can guide students through the whole journey. 

Flipped learning has the potential to make activities more immersive for students and boost attainment across the school. These are some of the key benefits.

Benefits of flipped learning for students

Flipped learning helps students operate more independently and take responsibility for their own progress. It can suit different learning styles and gives students the opportunity to consume content at their own pace — in lecture-style delivery, information can easily be missed. It’s also a more immersive way of learning, helping to engage students and spark interest in a topic.

Flipped learning has been shown to provide tangible benefits in terms of student attainment. Students involved in a flipped learning programme for key stage 2 maths saw additional progress equivalent to around one month. In another study, attainment was boosted by an average of 12% when students answered exam questions about topics where learning had been delivered using flipped styles. The greatest impact was seen for students with lower previous performance.

Benefits of flipped learning for teachers

For teachers, flipped learning can help engage students and make class time more valuable. Students can take a more proactive approach to their own learning and arrive at lessons with questions, ideas and an existing level of understanding. When using digital tools, teachers can also gain more information about students’ understanding of materials ahead of the class, arming themselves with relevant data to personalise content delivery. Most of the teachers taking part in the flipped learning trial for maths were very positive about the approach — they liked the way it supported their teaching, and appreciated access to data regarding pupils’ progress ahead of lessons.

Practical tips to implement flipped learning

How can teachers begin using flipped learning? Follow these tips to get started.

Prepare pre-class learning that will have optimum impact

Carefully consider what you want students to know. What foundations do they need to build in order to further their understanding? Education software such as Access GCSEPod can be a great resource, providing pre-recorded videos that are perfectly aligned to the curriculum.

Develop reusable in-class activities and materials

Some teachers taking part in the maths flipped learning programme found that targeting resources effectively required extra preparation time. Developing a series of resources that can be used in different situations and scenarios will require more work upfront, but will save time in the long-run. Plus, this will allow teachers to have more flexibility during lesson time, with materials to suit the fluid conversations and changing dynamics that arise.

Put systems in place to ensure student accountability

Make the model clear to students and explain their accountabilities. It can also be useful to explain the benefits, helping them feel connected to the process and take responsibility from the start. Digital systems for pre-class preparation can track task completion, helping teachers encourage and remind students as needed. However, if digital materials are high quality and engaging, students are more likely to complete the required tasks.

Help students consolidate their learning

Consolidation can happen through class discussions and activities, as well as homework and follow-up tasks. Digital materials can also come in handy for this — Pendle Vale High School uses Access GCSEPod to promote independent learning and effective revision practices. Using videos and “check and challenge” quizzes, they make homework more impactful and manageable, setting tasks on the previous topic while beginning a new one in class.

Using the right tools, resources and materials can embed flipped learning practices more successfully.

The role of digital platforms in flipped learning

Using digital teaching resources via a learning platform can make new initiatives more successful. Tools should ideally be:

•  High-quality, easy to use and intuitive.
• Self-service and on-demand so students can access content from anywhere.
• Data-driven, offering teachers analytics on student engagement and attainment.
• Tied to the curriculum and pupils’ wider learning.

Taking a closer look at solutions

Access GCSEPod has everything you need to support flipped and blended learning approaches in the classroom and at home. The platform promotes independent learning through “pods”, or short videos, as well as providing check and challenge features to test knowledge and ready-made assignments that eliminate marking.

Regular users of Access GCSEPod are proven to achieve at least one and a half grades higher on average than non-users — it’s a user-friendly, inclusive platform that delivers results.

Schools can easily promote flipped learning with GCSEPod. Stephen Lovell, a history teacher at Newcastle High School, uses it successfully to introduce new concepts:

“I will begin by setting up a OneNote page that will focus upon a section of a particular unit. I will then integrate a GCSEPod link to the OneNote page for acquisition of new content for the students… The visual nature of the pods and the way that key words and diagrams are emphasised makes them more memorable.”

For Mortimer Community College, GCSEPod is now an effective part of their strategy. “Access GCSEPod is quick and to the point, allowing students to access content outside the classroom in a way that’s simple and effective,” said Charlotte Anderson, an English teacher at the school. Mrs Noreen, the Assistant Headteacher for Science at LEA Manor High School, highlights the resource’s accessibility: “Access GCSEPod makes learning easy and accessible anywhere, anytime, helping students stay on top of their studies… it encourages independent learning.” 

Ready to try flipped learning?

Encouraging flipped learning can boost independent thinking and help your students get ahead. It all starts with the right tools. Explore Access GCSEPod’s award-winning digital teaching resources or download the brochure.