The Emerging Concept of Flipped Classrooms

In recent times, classroom teaching practices have undergone a dramatic change. Most of the change can be attributed to the use of computer-assisted teaching practices and an ever-growing realization among educationists that teacher-centered traditional classroom settings should be replaced with the student-centered approaches. Under the influence of such changes in pedagogical theory and practices, a new approach of teaching, i.e., flipped classroom approach is gaining more acceptability among academicians. Flipped classrooms are a form of blended learning where learners get more autonomy and the control of their process of learning. In this teaching approach, the learner is assigned the tasks for those homework assignments which are generally considered appropriate for the classroom teaching.

The rationale behind this type of swapping is to provide an opportunity to the learners to actively become involved in the process of learning. With the advances in the domain of computer-based technologies, the flipping of the traditional classroom teaching has become more promising and effective. In a flipped classroom approach, the learners are assigned home tasks related to the topics to which the learners have not been exposed before.

Flipped classroom approach is also known for the use of technology for creating opportunities for the learners to collaborate with their peers, teachers and other social groups to achieve the learning objectives.

Flipped classroom learning has also been found useful in promoting autonomous and self-regulated learning. Furthermore, flipped classroom approach can assist learners to adjust their process of learning and learning styles in a more self-reliant manner. Another benefit associated with flipped classroom learning is that it improves the motivation levels of the learners as they find learning enjoyable and interesting. The phenomenon is unique, effective and more steps are being taken to make it more innovative and interactive for the students and as well as the teachers.