Development and Validation of Flipped Classroom Modules for Teacher Education Course

Author(s) : Mubeshera Tufail

Abstract:

Flipped Classroom Instruction is based on the concept of blended learning where students get familiar with the content at home and work on activities through it during class time. It helps to effectively use the class time for working on higher-order thinking skills. In this study, flipped classroom modules were developed for an undergraduate course. For one undergraduate course, eight modules were developed based on eight units of the course. Each module consisted of different sections depending upon the number and the nature of topics covered in each unit. Each section consisted of seven segments: learning outcomes, resources at home, scaffolding, class quiz, class activity, feedback, and further reading resources/task(s). The ‘learning resources at home’ which were used included chapters/pages from the reference books, YouTube/pre-recorded videos, class notes, and the website content. The class quiz and class activities were based on the pre-class readings (i.e., learning resources at home). The role expectations of teacher and students were clearly stated in class activity segment. There was a reflection form at the end of each section. After completing the modules, the responses of the students collected in the form of qualitative data were positive about various segments. They perceived that the modules helped them to understand and apply the course concepts. The challenges related to the student role in class tasks and the out-of-class readings were dealt by adding more clarity and practice time in class tasks and by providing instructional videos with subtitles. It is recommended to adopt the structure of flipped classroom module keeping in view the context, nature of the subject and the characteristics of the students.

Keywords: Flipped Classroom (FC), blended learning, higher-order thinking skills, class routine, learning experiences, modules, instructional videos, teacher-student interaction