Busan Schools Flip Korea's Society, Classrooms

1. How did you feel after reading/watching the materials?

I’m very interested in the flipped classroom after reading and watching the materials. I have not heard this type of class before, but I would like to try the new teaching/learning method in my class in the future. I think the flipped classroom is very sensational way to give a big change and improvement in our educational system. However, I also see not only advantages but also disadvantage from the articles and the videos, so it is more important for teachers and schools to establish well this type of methodology by guidance and supporting from the experts in this filed. Even if there are some problems, I hope that this way is settled down well and expanded more and more.

2. What are some of the pros you see with using a flipped classroom?

I think there are many advantages when using a flipped classroom.

First, the best advantage I think is that students who missed their class can get chances to take the lesson again. Moreover, they can rewind the lectures to improve comprehension of the class. Therefore, students who get frustrated with following the difficult lesson are getting fewer, their achievement will be increased.

Second, in the flipped classroom, students are centered in their learning and they can actively participate in the activities in the classroom after watching video lessons at home. Traditionally, when students take a class, they are passive in their learning by conveying information. However, if students view the lectures they are going to learn at home, they can meet familiar contents in their class and it will make students more active in their learning. In addition to this, students learn from each other and more advanced classmate can teach other students, which is seemed to be appropriate level to them.

Third, students feel happier and enjoyable in their school life. In traditional classroom, what students do mostly in the school is to take a lecture from teachers. However, during the class, students interact with their classmate to solve the problems in the activities and they help each other. It also makes students’ confidence strong.

Lastly, teachers can recognize well about students mistakes and errors while they are supporting students’ group activities. In traditional way, teachers usually know what students understand and don’t understand after taking an exam or testing them. However, in the flipped classroom, teachers can focus on students’ errors by observing and guiding students with a minimum of interference, not teaching all contents of a subject during the class.

3. What are some of the cons you see with using a flipped classroom?

I have positive view of a flipped classroom, however I also think that there are some problems.

First, if a flipped classroom becomes successful, students should watch the online lesson at home before the class. However, at first period of implement, most students didn’t follow the principle and they have complaints about a flipped classroom. If they didn’t watch an online lecture, a teacher can’t lead the class and students can’t focus on group activity.

Second, teachers need lots of time and skills to prepare for creating an online lesson. This becomes teachers’ burden and gives them lots of stress. Therefore, some teachers don’t want this way or they may give up implementing a flipped classroom halfway.

Third, if students don’t have a computer and internet connection, they can't participate in a flipped classroom. Some students who are families in low income areas don’t have equal opportunity for learning.

Lastly, some students who are passive or introverted don’t like this type of the class. They may feel annoyed and teachers encounter with difficulty in changing their mind.

4. Have you ever been a student in a flipped classroom?

No, I have never been a student in a flipped classroom. However, I would like to experience a flipped classroom if I have a chance.

5. Would you use the idea of the flipped classroom to teach your students?

Yes, I would. Even if a teacher needs to prepare lots of work to practice the flipped classroom, I'm very interested in it. I belive that the flipped classroom has many advantages and will have positive effects on students learning. Of course, I see some problems and side effects from the material I watched. However, if we try to overcome difficulties, it may have benefits to both teachers and students through the method. On the other hand, from the point of view of a teacher, it requires lots of teachers’ efforts and responsibilities. Therefore, I am not sure that I can implement the flipped classroom without a stop. I like the educational method of the flipped classroom, but I have less confidence in implementing it successfully.

6. How do you think Korean society would react to the flipped classroom becoming standard across Korea?

If a flipped classroom is introduced and implemented in Korea, It may be expected to suffer difficulties and some side effects until the new program becomes successful. Some teachers think that it is very effective way to teach students and try to implement the flipped classroom. However, others don’t want to have lots of things they have to prepare for a class, especially older teachers who are not good at computer skills and changing minds. Parents also need to understand well the concept of the flipped classroom. Most of Korean parents don’t want to have activities even in hagwons(학원). Moreover, some parents will check whether their children watch an online lesson at home or not. This may be stressful to both parents and students. Nevertheless, most people may agree that there are already many problems in education system and Korean education need to have a big change. Therefore, I think there are lots of room for further innovation and improvement through the flipped classroom in Korean society.