:
:
Education today is transforming rapidly. Traditional teaching methods, where the teacher lectures and students passively take notes, are being replaced by more engaging, student-centred approaches. One of the most innovative and effective of these is the flipped classroom model. This approach, along with the broader concept of flipped learning and the development of a flipped curriculum, is helping teachers create active, collaborative, and flexible learning environments.
The following glossary explains key terms, concepts, and strategies associated with the flipped classroom, making it an accessible reference for educators, students, and parents who want to understand how modern learning is evolving.
A
Active Learning
The cornerstone of the flipped classroom model. Active learning requires students to engage with materials, discuss ideas, and apply knowledge through problem-solving and collaboration, rather than listening passively.
Asynchronous Learning
Learning that takes place at a time convenient to the student, often outside class. In flipped learning, students access recorded lectures, readings, or tutorials online before attending lessons.
B
Blended Learning
A hybrid teaching model combining face-to-face classroom instruction with online learning. The flipped classroom is one form of blended learning, where digital content complements hands-on classroom activity.
Bloom’s Taxonomy
A hierarchy of cognitive skills ranging from basic recall to higher-order thinking like evaluation and creation. In the flipped curriculum, lower-order tasks (e.g. memorisation) are often done at home, while higher-order thinking is prioritised in class.
C
Collaboration
Working together to achieve shared learning goals. Collaboration is central to flipped learning, as classroom time is used for discussions, peer teaching, and group projects rather than individual note-taking.
Cognitive Engagement
The mental effort students invest in understanding, analysing, and applying knowledge. Flipped learning increases cognitive engagement by shifting the focus from passive listening to active participation.
D
Deep Learning
A process where students develop a profound understanding of subject matter rather than memorising facts. The flipped classroom enables deep learning by freeing up class time for exploration and application.
Differentiation
Adapting instruction to meet diverse learning needs. The flipped curriculum allows students to learn at their own pace through pre-recorded materials, giving teachers more time to support individual learners during class.
E
Engagement
The level of interest, motivation, and enthusiasm a student shows during learning. In a flipped classroom, engagement rises as students take responsibility for their learning and contribute actively to lessons.
Experiential Learning
Learning through experience and reflection. The flipped curriculum supports experiential learning by turning classroom time into a workshop space for experiments, simulations, and practical tasks.
F
Formative Assessment
Ongoing evaluation used to monitor student understanding during the learning process. In flipped learning, formative assessments may include quizzes, peer reviews, or class discussions that check comprehension of pre-class materials.
Feedback
Constructive guidance that helps students improve. A well-designed flipped classroom provides more opportunities for feedback, as teachers spend class time interacting with students individually or in small groups.
G
Guided Practice
Teacher-facilitated activities that help students apply new knowledge. During flipped learning, classroom time is devoted to guided practice rather than delivering lectures.
H
Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)
Skills such as analysing, evaluating, and creating. The flipped curriculum promotes these skills by using class time for problem-solving, debate, and collaborative inquiry.
Homework Reimagined
In the flipped classroom, traditional homework (practice tasks) becomes pre-class work (video watching, reading). This reversal ensures that students come prepared to participate actively in lessons.
I
Independent Learning
The ability to manage one’s own study effectively. Flipped learning encourages independence, as students must engage with preparatory materials before class.
Instructional Videos
Pre-recorded lessons used to introduce key concepts. These videos are essential components of the flipped classroom, allowing teachers to deliver explanations that students can pause and replay as needed.
J
Just-in-Time Teaching (JiTT)
A strategy where teachers review students’ pre-class responses and adjust lessons accordingly. JiTT ensures that flipped classroom sessions address gaps in understanding and extend learning where needed.
K
Knowledge Application
Using what one has learned in practical or meaningful contexts. The flipped curriculum maximises classroom time for applying theoretical knowledge through experiments, discussions, or projects.
L
Learner Autonomy
Empowering students to take charge of their learning journey. Flipped learning encourages autonomy by giving students control over when and how they engage with preparatory materials.
Learning Management System (LMS)
A digital platform for distributing materials, tracking progress, and facilitating communication. LMS tools such as Google Classroom or Microsoft Teams are vital for implementing a flipped classroom effectively.
M
Metacognition
Thinking about one’s own thinking. In flipped learning, students reflect on what they know, what they don’t, and how they can bridge that gap.
Motivation
Students are often more motivated in a flipped classroom because they are actively involved, see relevance in their learning, and receive immediate feedback during class activities.
N
Notetaking 2.0
A reimagined approach to note-taking in flipped learning environments. Students summarise video content before class and expand on those notes through active discussion and problem-solving during lessons.
O
Online Learning Resources
Digital materials — such as videos, articles, podcasts, or simulations — that students access before attending class. These are the backbone of a flipped curriculum.
P
Peer Learning
Students learn from and with each other through collaboration and discussion. Peer learning is a central feature of the flipped classroom, encouraging communication and teamwork.
Personalised Learning
Tailoring lessons to meet individual needs. The flipped curriculum supports personalisation by allowing students to review content at their own pace and revisit difficult concepts.
Q
Quizzes
Short assessments designed to test understanding of pre-class material. Quizzes are common flipped learning tools that help both students and teachers track progress.
R
Reflection
The act of thinking critically about one’s learning experiences. Reflection activities in flipped classrooms help students consolidate understanding and identify areas for improvement.
Reversed Instruction
Another term for the flipped classroom, where traditional roles of homework and lectures are inverted. Students learn content at home and apply it during class.
S
Scaffolding
Providing structured support that helps students progress to higher levels of understanding. Flipped learning allows teachers to offer timely scaffolding during class through targeted feedback and guidance.
Student-Centred Learning
An approach where learners play an active role in the process. The flipped curriculum epitomises student-centred learning by giving students ownership of both pace and style.
T
Teacher as Facilitator
In the flipped classroom, the teacher shifts from being a lecturer to a facilitator who guides exploration, supports collaboration, and encourages deeper inquiry.
Time-on-Task
The amount of time students spend actively engaged in learning. Flipped learning increases productive time-on-task by moving passive activities outside the classroom.
U
Understanding by Doing
A principle of flipped learning that stresses practical application over theoretical lecture. Students “learn by doing” through case studies, experiments, and projects.
V
Video Lectures
Short, focused recordings that replace in-class lectures in the flipped classroom model. These allow flexible review and free class time for discussion and analysis.
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
The digital space where the flipped curriculum takes place. VLEs host resources, assignments, and discussions that connect home learning to classroom experiences.
W
Workshops
Interactive sessions that replace traditional lectures in the flipped classroom. Students work through problems, collaborate on projects, and apply new knowledge under teacher guidance.
Workflow Redesign
Restructuring classroom time to prioritise active learning. In a flipped curriculum, lesson plans are built around hands-on engagement rather than passive instruction.
X
eXperiential Learning
Learning through direct, hands-on experience. Flipped learning encourages experiential activities where students apply theory to practice.
Y
Year-Round Learning
An extension of the flipped classroom idea, where students continuously engage with online resources throughout the academic year, maintaining progress even outside term time.
Z
Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD)
The distance between what a learner can do independently and what they can achieve with guidance. In flipped learning, teachers use class time to provide support within each student’s ZPD, promoting deeper mastery.
Final Words
The flipped classroom represents a significant evolution in modern education, shifting learning from passive reception to active participation. Through the use of digital tools, recorded lectures and interactive class sessions, flipped learning and the flipped curriculum empower students to take ownership of their education. Teachers become facilitators, learners become collaborators and classrooms become vibrant spaces for discussion, exploration and innovation.
When implemented thoughtfully, this model prepares students not just to remember information but to apply it — a crucial skill in the 21st-century world of lifelong learning.
At Regent International School Malaysia, we integrate cutting-edge technology into our classrooms through smart boards, tablets and interactive learning spaces that make lessons engaging and dynamic. Our educators act as facilitators, using digital tools to personalise learning and encourage collaboration. Robotics labs, 3D printing and AI-driven platforms equip students with future-ready skills for the digital age. The school balances technology use with hands-on exploration and mindful screen-time practices to promote healthy digital habits. Experience Regent’s tech-powered classrooms—schedule a campus visit today to see how innovation transforms learning at our campuses.