If you’re a teacher and interested in the flipped classroom model, here are some great ideas on how to do it. We researched the most popular flipped classroom activities to produce a consolidated list.
Top Flipped Classroom Strategies, with Examples
The most common example of flipped learning is when students watch video lessons or read material at home. Then they come to class to apply what they’ve learned through discussions, problem-solving, or hands-on activities.
But there are many variations of the reverse or inverted classroom. Some other notable approaches are where students engage in group-based learning, lead discussions, or even create their own instructional videos to teach their peers.
1. Standard flipped classroom
In this approach, students review videos or readings at home to learn the basics of a subject. Class time is then used to apply the knowledge through exercises, allowing teachers to offer personalised help and focus on deeper understanding.
Examples
- Watch a video on photosynthesis and discuss the process in class with a lab activity (Biology, Years 7-9).
- Read a chapter on ancient Rome at home, then work in class to build a timeline of key events (History, Years 5-6).
- Study a math tutorial on fractions and solve problems with teacher support in class (Math, Years 5-6).
2. Discussion based
Students absorb the material at home through lectures or readings and use class time for discussion and exploration of different viewpoints. This model works best for subjects where debate and context are critical.
Examples
- Watch a documentary on the French Revolution and discuss its causes in class (History, Years 9-12).
- View a TED Talk on climate change, then hold a class discussion on solutions (Environmental Science, Years 7-9).
- Read an article on a controversial literary work and explore its themes in class (English, Years 10-12).
3. Demonstration focused
In this model, students watch video demonstrations for subjects requiring precise replication, such as experiments or problem-solving techniques. They then come to class to repeat or practice these skills with teacher guidance.
Examples
- Watch a video on balancing chemical equations and solve similar problems in class (Chemistry, Years 10-12).
- View a demonstration of physics experiments and recreate them in the lab (Physics, Years 7-9).
- Watch a step-by-step solution to a geometry problem and work through similar exercises in class (Math, Years 5-6).
Related: How to Use Videos in the Classroom
4. Faux-flipped classroom (Elementary Learning)
This model suits younger students who may not have homework resources. In class, students watch educational videos and work through activities with the teacher providing support as needed.
Examples
- Watch a phonics video and practice reading in small groups (Literacy, Years 1-2).
- Watch a nature video and complete a drawing activity on different animals (Science, Years 3-4).
- Watch a math tutorial on shapes and complete related puzzles in class (Math, Years 5-6).
5. Group based
This method focuses on teamwork. Students review content at home individually, then collaborate in groups during class to solve problems, explain concepts, or work on projects together.
Examples
- Learn about the causes of World War I at home, then work in groups to create a presentation on its effects (History, Years 9-12).
- Study ecosystems online and work together to design a model of a balanced ecosystem (Biology, Years 7-9).
- Watch a video on coding basics and collaborate to build a simple app in class (Computer Science, Years 5-6).
6. Debates
After studying at home, students participate in structured debates on a given topic during class. This encourages critical thinking and improves their ability to argue and communicate effectively.
Examples
- Watch a video on renewable energy sources and debate their feasibility in class (Environmental Science, Years 9-12).
- Study the pros and cons of space exploration and hold a debate about its value (Science, Years 7-9).
- Learn about the ethics of animal testing and debate the issue in groups (Biology, Years 10-12).
7. Micro-Flipped Classroom (Partial Flip)
The micro-flipped model mixes traditional lecture time with active learning. Short lectures are followed by interactive group activities or exercises, allowing students to engage more deeply with the content.
Examples
- Begin with a short lecture on geography, then work in pairs to analyse maps (Geography, Years 7-9).
- Teach a brief math concept, then have students apply it in a group problem-solving session (Math, Years 5-6).
- Start with a history overview, then collaborate on a project comparing historical events (History, Years 9-12).
8. Virtual Flipped Classroom (Online Learning)
In this model, all aspects of learning happen online. Students review lectures and complete assignments remotely, while class meetings or office hours are conducted virtually for support.
Examples
- Watch a programming tutorial online and complete coding exercises through a virtual platform (Computer Science, Years 10-12).
- Read a virtual textbook on the solar system and attend an online Q&A session (Science, Years 5-6).
- Participate in a virtual class discussion after reading an eBook on global politics (Political Science, Years 9-12).
9. Flipped Teacher (Student-Led)
In this approach, students create videos or presentations to teach their classmates, reinforcing their understanding and developing skills like public speaking and collaboration.
Examples
- Students create a video explaining a key concept in physics and present it to the class (Physics, Years 7-9).
- Have students work in pairs to prepare a presentation on a historical figure (History, Years 10-12).
- Ask students to film themselves solving a math problem and explaining the steps (Math, Years 5-6).
10. Station Learning (Activity-Based)
In this format, the classroom is divided into stations, each with different tasks. Students rotate through these stations, gaining exposure to multiple aspects of a subject.
Examples
- Set up stations for math, science, and language arts, with students rotating through them (General Studies, Years 3-4).
- Create problem-solving stations focusing on different geometric concepts (Math, Years 7-9).
- Arrange a history station where students analyse different primary source documents (History, Years 5-6).
11. Quizzes and Games (Interactive Learning)
This model uses quizzes and games to review material learned outside of class. Engaging students through competition or collaboration helps reinforce concepts in a fun, memorable way.
Examples
- Organise a quiz game to test knowledge of biology concepts (Biology, Years 9-12).
- Create a vocabulary quiz competition for language arts students (English, Years 5-6).
- Use a math trivia game to reinforce basic arithmetic skills (Math, Years 3-4).
12. Field Trip (Real or Virtual)
Field trips allow students to experience the real-world application of what they’ve learned. If a physical trip isn’t possible, virtual field trips can provide similar immersive learning experiences.
Examples
- Visit a local museum after studying art history and reflect on key artworks (History/Art, Years 7-9).
- Take a virtual tour of a zoo and learn about the habitats of different animals (Science, Years 3-4).
- Explore a botanical garden online after learning about plant biology (Biology, Years 5-6).
Related: Bring the Real World into the Classroom as a Teaching Strategy
What is the Flipped Classroom Model?
The flipped classroom model turns traditional teaching on its head. Instead of lecturing during class, you assign students videos or readings to complete at home. Then, class time is used for activities like discussions, group work, and problem-solving.
If you’re considering flipping your classroom, it’s a good idea to start small. As Aaron Sams explains, “What we recommend is to pick one unit in your curriculum that you already have developed and try flipping that. Make instructional videos for direct instruction, have the students watch them at home, and then have them do the work in class.”
Key Principles
- Pre-class learning. Students learn new material at home through videos, articles, or online resources.
- Active class time. In class, students apply what they’ve learned with your guidance through hands-on activities.
- Student-centered. You focus on facilitating rather than lecturing, giving students the chance to take control of their learning.
- Flexible pace. Students can learn at their own pace before coming to class, ensuring they arrive ready to participate.
When Flipped Learning Works Best
Flipped learning succeeds when your class is enthusiastic and motivated. It’s most effective when students are ready to engage with materials outside of class. You might wait a few weeks into the term before introducing flipped activities, allowing time to gauge your students’ readiness.
Handling problems, like students not completing pre-class work, requires flexibility. You can address this by starting class with a quick review or providing short, in-class quizzes to keep everyone on track.
Flipping the classroom creates opportunities for brighter students to shine. By giving them challenging tasks or asking them to lead discussions, you can help them extend themselves while encouraging others to follow.
Related: Tips on How To Engage With Students