The results of this study reveal how profoundly the classroom flip structure
changes the learning environment for students. Students need time to adjust to such a
radical departure from what they are accustomed to in class. With just three days to
adjust, the classroom flip students received a substantial blow to their performance and
confidence as evidenced by the lower test scores and the confidence survey results.
The data revealed an interesting link between learning in groups and confidence.
When some students worked in groups and heard other people in the class explaining
things in a different way, they began to feel like their thinking was wrong and doubted
their abilities. Instead of engaging other students in conversation, they preferred to work
alone and feel more confident in their work (even if the final product was not necessarily
as good).
Three findings from this pilot study informed my dissertation. Students must have
time to adjust to the changes the classroom flip brings, there must be flexibility so that
students can become comfortable with the things they do and do not have control over in
the learning process, and students must come to see that group learning activities can
benefit their personal learning.