Flipping the classroom approach in public health—does student performance improve?

A study conducted at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health analyzed the traditional model of education versus an increasingly popular approach to learning in the health sciences fields—the flipped classroom model—where pre-recorded lectures are viewed outside of the classroom and in-person class time is devoted to interactive exercises, discussions, and group projects. The results showed there were no statistically significant differences in test scores or students’ assessments of the flipped classes compared to a traditional lecture course of study. However, students reported that the flipped format allowed for greater flexibility and applied learning opportunities at home and during discussion sections.