Author

Edson Manyumbu

Title

“Flipped Classroom” Approach In The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Era: Perspectives

News

One of the aspects of the EU-ZW project is the advocacy for Flipped Classroom approach to teaching and learning. During a seminar on Artificial Intelligence (AI) held in the School of Engineering Sciences and Technology at Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT) on 29 July 2025, it became apparent that there is need for new approaches to teaching and learning during this era of AI. The use of AI by students and teachers is increasing and the question is how is this use impacting on the learning outcomes. One perspective that came out is the threat on critical thinking, an important attribute for graduates. Responsible use of AI and clear learner objective setting are thus critical to ensuring positive impact of AI to the learning endeavour.

Traditional vs Flipped Classroom:

Traditional teaching and learning approach put emphasis on content delivery by the teacher in class. On the other hand, the Flipped Classroom focuses on self-learning through shared content prior the class (students prepare themselves before class) while the classroom is dedicated to high-level engagement in discussions. This way the students apply their minds leading to critical thinking. AI can be responsibly used during student self-learning, in this case it takes the tutor role. Flipped Classroom promotes personalized learning and AI can be a useful tool or immediate companion for the student.

A number of perspectives can be debated towards embracing AI in teaching and learning and Flipped Classroom approach is just one perfect fit. In addition to Flipped Classroom, it is critical to align the AI tools with the learning objectives and the expected competences so that students get inspired towards achieving the intended outcomes.

Assessment Challenges:

Assessment to measure the learning progression and whether the outcomes have been attained has never been easy. Now with AI, assessment has become even more difficult. Some proposed strategies to counter the negatives of AI include:

i)                    Real-time direct assessment.

ii)                  More oral assessments.

iii)                Framing questions outside the AI domain – questions that require critical analysis.

EU-ZW project, on the modernization of higher education came at an opportune moment, when the learning landscape within the Zimbabwean institutions is requiring such interventions. The need to visit the learning models and design appropriate tools and approaches that match today’s environment has become a must. The learning paradigm is shifting, ‘the Ex-cathedra no longer has a place’.

....END....