Five Reasons AGAINST the Flipped Classroom

In our last post “Five Reasons FOR the Flipped Classroom”, we talked about the advantages of this teaching  method and  in this post we will now share the disadvantages.  Teachers are finding ups and downs for this new, upside-down, model.

StratoStar works with teachers to provide hands-on STEM project based learning utilizing weather balloon launches to the edge of space.  Through our quest to use the latest teaching technology and techniques we are sharing what we have learned about the flipped classroom.

Here are five reasons as to why some teachers are choosing not to initiate the flipped classroom protocol:

1. Heavy reliance on student motivation- The flipped classroom acknowledges that everyone learns at different paces, which is why it utilizes a learn-at-your-own-pace style of education. But this mode of operation relies heavily on the principle that students are self-motivated. Some students are not as motivated as others, and this method of teaching may allow those less motivated students to get less done.
2. Keeping everyone on the same subject can get tricky- While teachers can assess where each student is in their education and even group them accordingly, it would become rather tricky to make sure everyone is learning at a steady pace. The relaxed atmosphere of the flipped classroom enables students to be one different levels of their education, but education must continue. It will be a lot to handle when students of a class are all on different levels of the class lessons and you need them to be caught up to introduce a new lesson.
3. Testing will become difficult- Tests are usually given out to everyone at the same time in order to judge how much they have learned over a period of time and to ensure that they can keep up.  If students are operating under the flipped classroom model, they will each be approaching tests at different times. This will also allow students to procrastinate on their learning when they are dreading the next test.
4. Internet accessibility fluctuates- A flipped classroom requires of internet accessibility outside of the class room. Internet is not always easily accessible for everyone which can make it difficult for some students to access lectures.
5. Promotion of a lackadaisical learning environment- Sure, we all do best when we can get things done at our own pace, but flipping a classroom will encourage students to slow down their engagement of classroom material. This can have long term effects: students may begin to slow down their learning rate which would decrease the amount of material they learn in a given amount of time.

The truth of the matter is that there are ups and downs to every teaching model, including the flipped classroom method. However, teachers should consider a variety of different teachings models to ensure the best balance for their students as well as for themselves.

Where do you fall on the debate? With so many good reasons for and against the flipped classroom model, we’d love to hear our reader’s thoughts. Share your opinions in the comments below!