The flipped classroom concept

We will teach the course using the flipped classroom technique. The name stems from the idea that the typical content of lectures (conveying the basic content) will happen via self-directed learning before class; during class the typical content done after lectures in tutorials or via self-study (applying the concepts and deepening your understanding) will be done. Note that such type of instruction is associated with better learning outcomes, though students tend to feel the opposite (PNAS paper).

In particular, the weekly schedule will be as follows:

• Before class, there will be:

  • Self-paced learning of concepts / knowledge. We will provide you with screencasts and/or literature (often with specific hints at what to watch out for) that will allow you to acquaint yourself at your own pace with the material.

  • Short quizzes, which allow you to check your knowledge. Note that these do not constitute tests. Your performance does not enter the grading in any way beyond an indicator for participation. They are for you to check whether you understood a particular concept.

• During class, there will be

  • Carefully designed group work in order to deepen your understanding of certain topics

  • Class discussions to collect the results from the group work and to foster presentation skills

Combined, these elements should allow you to

• acquire the basic knowledge at your own pace

• deepen it in group work

• improve your personal skills in self-directed learning

• improve your social skills listening to your peers and explaining to them during group work

Timing-wise within weeks, We promise to make the materials for the week available on Mondays, earlier if possible. Sometimes, there will be hybrid versions, e.g., we upload the paper on Friday but a screencast and the quiz might take until Monday.