Flip or flop? Students' perspectives of a flipped lecture in mathematics. Issue 5 (4th July 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Novak, Julia; Kensington-Miller, Barbara; Evans, Tanya
• Is Part Of: International journal of mathematical education in science and technology. Volume 48:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 647
• Page End: 658
• Publication Date: 2017-07-04
• Subjects: Flipped lecture -- student perspectives -- matrix determinants -- STEM subjects -- argumentation -- debate; Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- Periodicals; Mathematics -- Periodicals; 510.07
• DOI: 10.1080/0020739X.2016.1267810
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-739X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This paper describes students' perspectives of a one-off flipped lecture in a large undergraduate mathematics service course. The focus was on calculating matrix determinants and was designed specifically to introduce debate and argumentation into a mathematics lecture. The intention was to promote a deeper learning and understanding through engagement with the added hope of instilling some passion for the subject. During the lecture, students were asked to vote with their feet, literally moving around the lecture theatre to form groups according to their shared favourite technique for calculating matrix determinants. Group discussions were then followed by a whole class debate facilitated by the lecturers, before they wrapped up the lecture by resolving the professional disagreements that had come to light during the debate. Following the lecture, data on student perspectives was gathered using both surveys and focus groups. Within this paper, we share the data and reveal the interesting results that emerged from our analysis. Despite remaining unconvinced as to whether flipped lectures are better for learning, students reported greater engagement and increased understanding of the material covered.