As I am currently experimenting with a "flipped classroom" scenario, I'd be interested to learn more about the practical experience of colleagues with this format. The idea is to present the core content of the lecture via electronic media (audio, video, and what not) and ask students to prepare the content in a way that allows deep learning and complex activities during classtime.
In prinicple, the idea works well. I get to discuss original studies with my students, we do transfer exercises, develop plans for critical analysis and many other valuable activities for which there used to be no or little time when I had to squeeze in the lecturing part.
So, as a teacher I enjoy teaching more than ever, I get to know the students through the small group work which is now fully integrated in a large lecture class, the students get involved in the subject from day one. Totally surprising and useful. The drawback: Only about 50 out of 350 students actively use this scenario. Class attendance is voluntary and I assume that there are 300 individuals out there who count on listening to the material no earlier than a week before the final.
a. is it ethical to support 50 out 350 with high quality learning and teaching?
b. is it a common experience that learning environments which require a high standard in self-regulation has this drawback that too many students cannot handle it?