Flipped Learning 101

A New Definition: Why?

Increased international collaboration among flipped practitioners revealed the need for a globally understood definition. Educators often speak in our own language with buzzwords that can be confusing to peers from other countries and non-educators. The aim was to draft a precise, concise, and buzzword-free definition that can be more universally understood not only by educators but by the general public as well. The following definition was overwhelmingly ratified by international delegates from 49 countries.

Definition

Flipped Learning is a framework that enables educators to reach every student. The Flipped approach inverts the traditional classroom model by introducing course concepts before class, allowing educators to use class time to guide each student through active, practical, innovative applications of the course principles.

The Next Generation

The flipped classroom has been reinventing itself right under our noses — evolving organically into something new and exciting. Early adopters and keen observers are following the changes taking place in flipped Instruction. However, our data indicate that as high as 80 percent of experienced flipped practitioners are unaware that the flipped classroom has entered a new era. The new era is defined by a growing awareness of five developments:

1. Not Static

There’s a largely unspoken, but widespread belief that flipped instruction is a simple, static teaching strategy. Watch the video at home, and come to class prepared to do something with what you’ve learned.  What else is there to know? A lot. The frenetic dynamism of the flipped classroom is largely hidden below the surface. To see it, you have to peer behind closed classroom doors, find portals into remote academic silos, and gain access to private back-channel discussions. Our eyes have been opened, and we now know that the science, art, and practice of flipped instruction are more dynamic and changing more rapidly than even the most experienced and knowledgeable Flipped Learning advocates realize.  But why?

2. The Big Three Factors

The ground underneath flipped instruction is shifting because of three tectonic forces changing the flipped classroom every day.

• • Research
  • Classroom Innovation
  • New technology

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3. A Global Movement

Our research has confirmed that flipped classrooms are is rapidly expanding around the globe. Indeed, Flipped instruction may very well be the most established, robust and organically expanding education movement in the world. READ MORE…

4. New Possibilities

The worldwide demand for Flipped Learning is opening new possibilities for educators. Educators who have been flipping in isolation are discovering the value of building bridges between the flipped classrooms around the globe. READ MORE…

5.  The Big Idea

Reports, hard data, anecdotes, and news stories are streaming in from scores of countries around the globe. Flipped instruction is solving some of the most intractable problems in education. Indeed, many are realizing that Flipped instruction is not just another teaching tactic but a meta-teaching strategy that supports all others. Flipped Learning is a meta-strategy because it creates the classroom time to employ project-based learning, inquiry learning, game-based learning, mastery learning, and the myriad other active learning strategies.

A New Era

Increasingly, leading flipped practitioners are starting to recognize the significant difference between the original Flipped classroom model, blended learning, Flipped Mastery, and the next era we call Flipped Learning 3.0. The evolving framework, expanding research, collaborative classroom innovation, new technologies, and global possibilities are the distinguishing features of Flipped Learning 3.0.  For further understanding listen to the interview with Research Fellow Professors Robert Talbert. Flipped Learning 3.0: The Paradigm Shift That Changes Everything

You can stay abreast of the evolution of Flipped Learning 3.0 through the FLGI webinar series, and by joining the Flipped Learning Innovation Center (FLIC).

World Class Flipped Learning

1. The Leading Learners

Because world-class Flipped practitioners know that flipped instruction is not static, they are eager to expand their knowledge. How they expand their knowledge is irrelevant. What distinguishes them is their voracious appetite to learn all they can about how the flipped classroom is evolving. Consequently, their understanding and Flipped Learning skill set is growing faster than the typical flipped practitioner.

2. Connected to Global Innovators

One of the most astounding things we discovered is that most flipped instruction is practiced in isolation. The isolation can be at the classroom level, the school level, or the country level. The “typical” flipped practitioner is not connected to Flipped Learning innovators around the world. In fact, many Flipped Learning practitioners are struggling with problems that have already been solved by their peers in the class down the hall, the school down the road, or the country next door.

Sadly, the isolation is perpetuated by flipped classrooms that are also disconnected from global innovations and best practices. World-class flipped practitioners understand the need to break out of the silos and connect with Flipped Learning innovators around the world…. and they do.

3. Aware of Innovations

Because world-class Flipped Learning practitioners are not operating in solitary confinement, their knowledge of Flipped Learning is not limited by the borders of their classrooms, school districts, country, or native culture. They are aware of the latest local and global innovations in Flipped Learning. They are the teachers, administrators, trainers, and technologists who have the broadest understanding of Flipped Learning in the world.

4. Using Global Best Practices

Knowing the global best practices in Flipped Learning is good. Integrating them into your class projects, lesson plans, and programs is even better.

Pulling a tooth with a cavity became obsolete the moment dentists figured out how to fill cavities and cap teeth. Today, yanking teeth that can be restored would be malpractice. World-class Flipped Learning practitioners are committed to knowing and using the most current practices, strategies, and tools.

5. Defining the “Next” Practices

As mentioned, world-class Flipped Learning practitioners are expanding their understanding and skill set faster than most. They are connected to flipped innovators around the globe, are aware of the latest global insights and innovations, and are using the most current global best practices.

Consequently, world-class Flipped Learning practitioners are exploring the leading edge of Flipped Learning, discovering new possibilities, and defining the NEXT practices in Flipped