Instructors have flipped their classrooms on the basis of a handful of key benefits:

1. Flipping allows students to learn at their own pace

Under the traditional lecture model, instructors must teach their curriculum within the allotted classroom time, based on the rate at which the “average” student can absorb the material. Students listen and take notes, passively receiving the lecture information. If a student has trouble with a concept, they have to either interrupt and ask a question, or do their best to keep up and request an explanation outside of class time.

By contrast, students in flipped classrooms can review any part of a recorded lecture or take breaks as needed. This type of self-paced learning is especially important for students with special needs or different learning styles. It empowers all students to take control of their learning and can even reduce anxiety. If they’re unsure about a concept, students can come to class prepared with specific questions and have ample class time to discuss them.

2. Flipped learning is customized, active, and engaging

When students cover foundational material before class, instructors in the flipped classroom can devote class time to engaging students through active learning. Group problem-solving, student presentations, and whole-group discussions allow students to learn through experience, test their comprehension, apply their knowledge, and absorb the content.

Instructors are also able to craft in-class activities that are customized to their students. Armed with data from video analytics , they can ensure that students have engaged with the pre-class content. Online quizzes also help instructors gauge each student’s level of comprehension and guide the classroom experience based on that information.