12: Create Virtual and Flipped Classrooms

Understanding the Flipped Classroom: A Practical Guide for Tanzanian Teachers

What is a Flipped Classroom?

In a traditional classroom, the teacher explains new content during class, and students practice at home as homework. In a flipped classroom, this is reversed: students first encounter new ideas outside class (through short videos, readings, audio, or notes), and class time is used for practice, problem-solving, experiments, and discussion with the teacher acting as a guide.

Simple example: Students watch a short video or read notes about photosynthesis before class. In class, they work in groups to apply the ideas, while the teacher supports them.

Why Flip the Classroom?

• Promotes active learning and deeper understanding.
• Increases engagement through discussion and hands-on work.
• Allows learners to review content at their own pace.
• Frees class time for targeted teacher support and feedback.
• Builds digital and self-directed learning skills.

Making Flipped Learning Work in Tanzania

Flipped learning is possible even with limited devices or connectivity. The core idea is changing the order of learning, not relying on expensive technology. Use low-tech, medium-tech, or higher-tech options depending on your context.

Useful Local Examples

• Shule Direct digital learning content.
• Tanzania Institute of Education (TIE) digital library resources.
• Teacher-created mini-lessons shared in class groups via WhatsApp.
• Printed notes pasted into exercise books for home review.

Teacher Role in a Flipped Classroom

• Prepare short, clear pre-class content in under 10 minutes (video, audio, reading, or slides). 
• Design at least one in-class tasks that require application: problems, experiments, debates, peer teaching.
• Facilitate by circulating, questioning, and giving feedback.
• Check understanding with quick quizzes, exit tickets, or reflections.

Student Role in a Flipped Classroom

• Engage with the pre-class content and arrive prepared.
• Participate actively in group work and discussions.
• Ask questions and seek feedback.
• Develop self-management and note-taking habits.

Benefits for Tanzanian Classrooms

• Supports learner-centred pedagogy and curriculum reforms.
• Improves participation, teamwork, and communication.
• Helps mixed-ability classes through differentiated support during class.
• Builds readiness for a technology-enhanced society.

Challenges and Simple Solutions