Flipping great or flipping useless? a review of the flipped classroom experiment at Coventry University London Campus

Abstract

It is vital for teachers to keep abreast of new innovations to maintain student expectations and continuously improve performance in the classroom. A major development in recent pedagogical practice has seen the invention, development and implementation of the flipped classroom. Advantages include greater flexibility for students as they can study at their own leisure. In addition, there are opportunities for teachers to make seminars more interactive and to focus on exploring topics in greater depth after fundamental concepts have been practiced in a flipped class. This scenario has also led to greater student engagement and motivation and reduced tardiness and attendance issues. However, there are several disadvantages regarding its use. The most prominent criticism is that it is not possible to ascertain if a student has actually completed a flipped class until they attend a seminar. The whole flipped model is also wholly reliant on students having the motivation to do work in their own time. The creation, development and implementation of flipped classes can also be labour-intensive and onerous for teachers with already busy schedules. Further criticisms include the lack of instructor contact and necessity for developers to possess requisite technological skills. This study uncovered both positives and negatives regarding its efficacy with a number of students doubting its value in enhancing academic standards. Overall student performance and satisfaction levels were also lower when compared to the previous term when the same module was not flipped.