When we think about learning methodologies, the flipped classroom rarely comes to mind. What does it consist of and how can it be applied in a business environment? In this article, we will answer these questions and see that it is not only possible to implement training in companies using this methodology, but it can also help improve their efficiency.
What is the flipped classroom?
The flipped classroom methodology suggests that learners complete some preliminary work before the actual training session. One way to illustrate this is by comparing it to a trainer assigning tasks to learners before covering the topic in class. For this approach to work, it is important that these tasks:
- Present a challenge: the learner should make an effort to solve the task.
- Be accessible: the challenge should be achievable by the learner without causing frustration.
- Be relevant: the learner should feel that the task completed before the training session is meaningful for their development.
- Foster curiosity and critical thinking: the key here is not solving the problem itself but in generating questions and curiosity in the learner before the training session.
When applied correctly, the flipped classroom can increase training efficiency because learners come prepared and motivated, reducing the need to start from scratch. Moreover, the session becomes a dialogue between the trainer and the learners, focusing on the discussion of the preliminary task and the resolution of doubts. This helps ensure that the conversation centers on the topics most relevant to learners, increasing the practical usefulness of the training in their daily work.
How can the flipped classroom be applied in companies?
The flipped classroom can be used in corporate training as described above, but it can also be applied not only to training sessions but to both internal and external meetings. In this case, participants receive in advance a description of the topics that will be discussed or a task they should complete before attending. This way, everyone arrives prepared from the very beginning of the meeting, saving time on introductory explanations. This practice, already common in many organizations, is especially effective when the four key principles of the flipped classroom mentioned earlier are followed.
The Flipped Classroom optimizes your time, but Problem-Based Learning ensures that time is spent solving real business hurdles. Read our first article in the series here to discover how to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
