Flipped Classroom
A teaching model where students first encounter new content at home, through videos, reading or apps, and use classroom time for discussion, practice and problem-solving with the teacher.
How it works in practice
On a Tuesday evening, a Class 8 student watches a 12-minute video on Pythagoras' theorem assigned by the teacher. On Wednesday in class, the teacher skips the lecture and instead runs problem-solving sessions, group puzzles and clarification of doubts. The child gets the easy part (input) at their own pace and the hard part (application) with expert help.
Where it fits: and where it doesn't
Flipped works best from upper-primary onwards, when children can self-pace short videos. It works less well in early primary, where physical activity and direct teacher contact matter more. It also assumes home internet and a quiet space, something every school must verify before adopting it.
Benefits beyond academics
Flipped classrooms typically increase student participation, allow differentiated support, and give shy learners a chance to absorb content without classroom pressure. The teacher shifts from 'sage on the stage' to 'guide on the side'.
Related terms
Blended Learning
A deliberate mix of in-person classroom teaching with online or digital learning, so that each mode does what it does best, rather than replacing one with the other.
EdTech
Education technology, apps, learning platforms, smart boards, AI tutors, used in or around the classroom.
Peer Learning
A structured approach where students learn from and with each other, through pair work, group projects, peer tutoring and discussion, rather than only from the teacher.