Instructor-led training (ILT) is still proving to be a valuable and effective method of education delivery. ILT is training facilitated by an instructor in a classroom setting or online. The main advantage is that learners have access to the facilitator and other participants for questions, discussion and knowledge sharing.

Technology has allowed training designers to increase the efficiency of ILT. Using a flipped classroom model, hours spent in the physical or virtual classroom can now be used where they count such as demonstrating complex problem solving, working through scenarios, or presenting advanced technical skills.

Gain insight on the flipped classroom ILT and three key educational advantages it offers learners and your business.

What is flipped classroom training?

The Vanderbilt University Center for Teaching describes the flipped classroom as a “reversal of traditional teaching where students gain first exposure to new material outside of class, usually via reading or lecture videos, and then class time is used to do the harder work of assimilating that knowledge through strategies such as problem-solving, discussion or debates.”

Flipped classroom ILT is comprised of learner components, completed outside the classroom, and face-to-face Components, completed during classroom lessons.

Advantage 1: Class time can be repurposed

The core value of flipped classroom ILT is the repurposing of class time into a workshop or tutorial session where learners can discuss and question lesson content, practice application of knowledge, and participate in hands-on activities. During classroom lessons, instructors can take on the role of a coach or mentor rather than trainer, providing guidance and support at a group and individual level. This means that each contact hour becomes much more educationally potent and the overall training duration can be reduced.

Advantage 2: Learners come to lessons prepared

Making learning materials available prior to the training session not only reduces classroom contact hours, it means learners come to the classroom prepared with knowledge, ideas, and questions. Materials can be emailed to learners in advance or a hub set up on your intranet or LMS where learners can access and download content, allowing learners to work through materials at their own time and pace in their chosen environment, accommodating for those who assimilate content at different speeds. It also opens up learning opportunities outside of employment hours or between work tasks so learners can self-schedule the theory component of the training.

Advantage 3: Opportunity to integrate technology

Flipped classroom ILT provides opportunities for integrating technology into a blended solution so learners get the best of both worlds. Online pre-quizzes are an effective way of testing prior knowledge and provoking interest in lesson topics. Initial discussions can be set up in online forums or social media platforms to begin knowledge sharing and generate interest prior to classroom sessions. Lesson content can be presented in a variety of digital mediums such as videos, eLearning modules, or games accessed on desktop computers or mobile devices. Providing materials digitally that are compatible with mobile devices gives learners ultimate flexibility in completing pre-work, which is likely to increase their motivation to learn.

Could your organization benefit from flipped classroom ILT?

Ashley Casey is the global marketing executive at PulseLearning.