Increased Interaction: How Flipped Instruction Works
You may or may not have heard the term “flipped classroom.” At The Software Guild, we have chosen to incorporate the flipped instruction model. So we thought we should explain the basic details of what it is and why it works for our coding bootcamp.
First, the phrase “flipped instruction” is not quite the same as “flipped classroom.” The Software Guild provides both face-to-face, classroom-based instruction along with asynchronous online instruction. The model that we use for both is the same, and that’s why the term “flipped instruction” is more accurate in describing what we use at the Guild.
What Is a Flipped Classroom?
“The flipped classroom is a pedagogical model in which the typical lecture and homework elements of a course are reversed,” according to Educause. Instead of receiving instruction via lecture in the classroom, students view lecture materials via video outside of the classroom. Automatic scoring assessments (quizzes) are typically provided after viewing the resources to check students’ understanding and to provide additional materials and feedback as necessary.
In the classroom, the lecture time is replaced with learning activities such as discussion and checks for understanding, typically centered around the data from the automatic scoring assessments. Several studies from Active Learning in Higher Education and more detail the benefits of active learning. This provides the best opportunity for student and faculty engagement to occur at a time and place most useful to the student.
Why Is The Software Guild Using Flipped Instruction?
The Software Guild has been using elements of a flipped instruction model for some time. But now, the video lectures from our online courses have been expanded on and added to the face-to-face coding bootcamp. Prior to this, we had very hands-on lessons that used active learning within our curriculum, and we saw firsthand how students excelled with these.
Our decision to use a completely flipped instruction model was made simply because it is what is best for our students. We are taking what worked in specific instances and expanding it to our entire curriculum. Now students can view the video lectures multiple times.
“I have enjoyed the shift to a flipped classroom,” Software Guild instructor Alan Galloway said. “Two advantages stand out in my experience. First, it is helpful for the apprentices to be able to pause videos and jump back as needed to keep pace with the concepts. Second, it is beneficial for them to hear the same concept in different ways or from different voices, as it seems to help them with being able to compare and contrast how it fits in.”
Most importantly, the flipped instruction model gives students more interaction with our world-class faculty, which we know leads to successful student outcomes based on research and our own experience.
“As a teaching method, I find it helpful because the apprentices are watching videos and reading content the night before, which helps us to have conversations about the topics the next morning.” — Software Guild instructor Sarah Dutkiewicz
Interested in learning the in-demand skills required to become a developer? The Software Guild’s coding bootcamps help apprentices like you gain experience building full-stack applications from start to finish using .NET/C# or Java. With locations in Akron, Minneapolis and Louisville, we provide an intensive learning environment to teach you the hands-on skills required to begin a successful development career.
If you are ready to learn more, check out our guide to The Software Guild for an in-depth look at the curriculum, format, application process and everything else you need to know
