The flipped classroom is a concept that has been buzzing around the educational world for the last few years.  The basic concept of the flipped classroom is simple.  You take what was traditionally done in the classroom (the lecture) and flip it with what was traditionally done as homework (exercises, activities, etc.).

In the flipped classroom the student is responsible for reviewing the lesson material before attending class.

Online content such as MindTap assignments, recorded lectures, videos, reading assignments, and so on.  Then in the classroom, the educator leads the students in a variety of activities, experiments, and discussions that will engage the learner and reinforce what they have just studied on their own.

I like this concept because it truly helps us create a learner-centered environment in our classrooms.

Some great classes to flip can be:

• Anatomy & Physiology, Chemistry
• Diseases and Disorders

Have your students read these chapters and watch any videos before class and then when you get to class, rather than lecture on definitions, you have a variety of activities, projects and experiments prepared that will review all the material.  This will help engage the student and will aid in their retention of the material.

Here are just a few ideas to flip the classroom in A & P and Diseases and Disorders:

• Students draw outlines of their bodies on butcher paper and then they draw in the various systems.
• Use playdough to create the structure of the cell.
• Use body paint and makeup to create the bones, muscles, nervous system and circulatory system on an actual person.
• Use modeling clay to create the muscle system of the face and head.
• Have students pair up and make various faces and identify which muscle is used to create each face.
• Use playdough or paint to create various nail disease and disorders.
• Create the layers of the skin using playdough or designated food items.
• Use MindTap and have the students do various assignments.
• Find an online puzzle maker and make crossword puzzles or word finds using the terms of the chapter.

There are so many ways to engage the students with these more challenging subjects.  Think outside of the box and be creative.  If you have an idea, try it out.  If it works, great. The only way to find out if something works are to try. Don’t be afraid.  Ask other educators if they have any ideas.  When two educators get together and brainstorm on a topic, they can usually come up with great ideas!