In recent years, flipped learning has become a popular way to teach and learn. It is used in many subjects, like maths, science, and even English. But what is flipped learning, and why is it so popular? In this article, we explain what flipped learning is, how it started, and how it can help you learn English better and faster.
What is flipped learning?
Flipped learning is different from traditional learning. In traditional learning, students sit in class and listen to the teacher explain new information. After the class, they usually do homework to practise what they learned. In flipped learning, the process is the opposite. You learn new information at home, often through videos, reading, or interactive exercises. Then, you go to class to practise what you learned with the teacher and other students.
Instead of using class time to explain new ideas, flipped learning allows the teacher to spend more time helping students practise and answer questions. This method is becoming very popular, especially in online learning, because it helps students understand lessons better before they come to class.
How did flipped learning develop?
The idea of flipped learning became popular in the 2000s. Two high school teachers, Jonathan Bergmann and Aaron Sams (1), started using video lessons to teach their students. They found that students were better prepared when they learned new information at home and then practised in class. This method worked so well that it became popular in many schools around the world.
Since then, flipped learning has been used in different subjects like maths, science, and history. It has also become very common in online education, where students can learn at their own speed.
Research shows that flipped learning can be more effective than traditional teaching. For example, a study by the Flipped Learning Network (2) found that students who use flipped learning often perform better than those in traditional classrooms. This method allows students to take control of their learning and spend more time on difficult areas.
How can flipped learning be used for language learning?
Flipped learning can be very helpful for students who are learning English. Language learning requires a lot of practice, and flipped learning gives students more time to focus on speaking, listening, and writing in class. Here’s how it can work for English learners:
Learn new vocabulary and grammar at home:
Before the class, you can watch videos or read about new words and grammar rules. This allows you to learn at your own pace. You can pause the video or read the lesson as many times as you need to understand.
Practise speaking and writing in class:
In a live class, you can practise using the new vocabulary and grammar you learned at home. This is your chance to ask questions and use the language in real-life situations. You will also receive feedback from your teacher, which will help you improve faster.
Focus on difficult areas:
If there is something you don’t understand, you can spend more time on it at home before the class. This way, you can use class time to focus on the areas where you need help the most.
Benefits of flipped learning for English learners
Flipped learning has many benefits for students learning English:
- Learn at your own pace: When you study by yourself at home, you can take your time to learn difficult parts. You can pause, rewind, and review lessons until you understand them. This is very useful for language learners who may need extra time to understand new grammar or vocabulary.
- More practice time in class: Traditional classes often spend a lot of time explaining new ideas. With flipped learning, the teacher can spend more time helping students practise speaking and listening, which are very important for language learners.
- Feel more confident: When you learn new information before class, you can feel more confident when using English with other people. You know what to expect, and you can practise the skills you already started learning at home.
- Better results: Studies show that flipped learning can help students perform better. A 2018 study published in the Journal of Computer-Assisted Learning showed that students in flipped classrooms performed better in both understanding the material and using it than those in traditional classrooms. This means that flipped learning can help you learn English more effectively.
Flipped learning is a great way to learn English. By studying new material at home and practising it in class, you can improve your speaking, listening, and writing skills faster. This method also helps you take control of your learning, so you can focus on the areas you need the most help with. Whether you are learning English online or in a classroom, flipped learning can give you the confidence and skills you need to succeed.
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(1) Co-authors of Flip Your Classroom: Reach Every Student in Every Class Every Day (2012) and Flipped Learning: Gateway to Student Engagement (2014). These books popularized the method globally.
(2) In 2012 Bergmann and Sams co-founded the Flipped Learning Network™, a nonprofit organization aimed at providing resources to educators interested in adopting this model.