The most common definition of a Flipped classroom is “schoolwork at home and homework at school.” But many educators who have implemented the strategy say it’s much more than that.

An increasingly popular method of instruction for certain subjects, the Flipped model emphasizes a learner-centered approach where students take the initiative for conceptual understanding and class time is devoted to exploring topics in greater depth. Teachers must make thoughtful decisions about what they need to teach and what students should explore on their own.

The overall aim is to help students become more involved in their own knowledge construction, and to make their education more personally meaningful.

Technology plays a big role in the Flipped model. Instructional videos and teacher websites allow students and educators to interact on digital formats outside of the classroom.

Elk Run Elementary sixth grade teacher Deb Smith used the Flipped Learning model to teach math with positive results. As a member of the Flipped Learning Network, Deb opened her classroom last week for other teachers and educational professionals to learn about and observe a Flipped classroom in action.

“The majority of my students come in hating math, and the majority leave loving math,” she said.

The Flipped Classroom model is just one of the many ways that Granite School District teachers are using technology to enhance the learning experience for their students.