Resource 7: The Flipped Classroom Design Cycle
The Flipped Classroom Design Cycle — Practical Guide for Tanzanian Teachers
What it is, simply
The flipped classroom reverses the usual order: learners meet new content before class (short videos, readings, voice notes, OER) and use class time for active work — discussion, practice, problem-solving and teacher coaching. The cycle has three stages: Before Class → During Class → After Class. Done well, it builds deeper understanding, learner independence and stronger classroom interaction — even where internet and devices are limited.
Before Class — build the foundation
Goal: Give learners the basic facts and ideas so class time is for application.
What to give: Short, focused materials: 3–10 minute videos, a one-page summary, a short audio (WhatsApp voice note), or a brief quiz. Keep it tiny — one idea per resource.
Low-tech options that work in Tanzania
- Record a 5-minute voice note or phone video and share via WhatsApp group.
- Put a PDF or short notes on a USB, memory card or school computer for students to copy.
- Use printed summaries or exercise pages for learners with no device access.
- Link to OERs (Khan Academy, OpenStax, Shule Direct) when possible and provide an offline alternative.
How to make it usable
- Always tell learners exactly what to do: “Watch this 6-minute clip, write 2 questions, and note one example from your community.”
- Set a simple readiness check: a 2-question Google Form or a paper ‘tick & return’ sheet at school.
- Design materials to match the lesson outcomes — don’t overload.
Example: For a lesson on simple interest, share a 7-minute video or a 1-page worked example. Ask learners to calculate interest for one real-life example to bring to class.
During Class — active application and coaching
Goal: Turn class time into a workshop where learners apply, discuss, and get feedback.
Core activities
- Problem-solving: Small groups work on tasks tied to the pre-class material.
- Peer teaching: Learners explain concepts to one another.
- Mini-labs / roleplays / case studies: Practical tasks that require use of the pre-class knowledge.
- Targeted teacher coaching: Circulate, correct misconceptions, and scaffold harder steps.
Managing low-tech, busy classrooms
- If devices are scarce, group roles help (reader, recorder, reporter, timekeeper). Rotate roles each lesson.
- Use simple physical prompts (cards, posters) to structure group tasks.
- For larger classes, run short teacher-led demonstrations, then station rotation for hands-on practice.
Quick formative checks
- Exit ticket (one paper question) or a 3-item quick quiz on paper/WhatsApp.
- Short group presentations (2–3 minutes) summarizing findings.
Example: Students who watched a video on planting techniques work in groups to design a small garden plot, present plans, and receive teacher feedback.
After Class — reflect, practice, and extend
Goal: Reinforce learning, catch remaining misunderstandings, and encourage deeper exploration.
Effective post-class tasks
- Short reflective prompt: “What surprised you? What do you still find difficult?” (paper or online)
- Practice set or applied task to complete at home or in the next lesson.
- Peer feedback: learners exchange short notes on each other’s work.
- Optional enrichment links to OERs or local case studies for motivated students.
Low-bandwidth ideas
- Assign a paper-based workbook task.
- Ask learners to bring a short written reflection the next day.
- Use SMS / WhatsApp for quick quizzes or to collect short answers.
Example: After a flipped lesson on water purification, learners test a simple charcoal filter at home, document results in a short note and bring findings for class discussion.
Choosing pre-class materials — a quick checklist
- Aligned to learning outcome? ✔
- Short and focused (5–10 minutes or one page)? ✔
- Accessible (downloadable, phone-friendly, printable)? ✔
- Includes a clear task or question for class? ✔
- Has a low-tech backup option? ✔
Practical starter plan (first 3 lessons)
- Lesson 1 (small start): Share a 5-minute voice note + 1 practice question. Class: one 20-minute group activity. Post: short reflection.
- Lesson 2: Use a printed summary + in-class demonstration with group practice. Post: one problem set.
- Lesson 3: Mix a short YouTube clip (or offline copy) + group project; use WhatsApp for quick checks.
Start with one flipped lesson per week. Scaling slowly keeps workload reasonable.
Teacher tips to keep it doable
- Reuse & curate existing OER rather than create everything from scratch.
- Keep pre-class materials simple — clarity beats production quality.
- Share tasks and rubrics so students know what success looks like.
- Build routines: students know how to prepare and what to bring.
- Involve parents/community where device access is shared — community download sessions at school can help.