The Efficacy of Classroom Flipping on Iranian Intermediate EFL Learners’ Engagement and their Perception of the Flipped Classroom Model

Regarding problems with traditional models of instruction, EFL learners need to exercise innovative models of learning. For this purpose, flipped classroom instruction may render an effective learning environment. The purpose of this study was to determine how flipped instruction may increase learners’ engagement. Therefore, ۱۰۰ Iranian EFL intermediate students, selected based on convenience sampling, participated in this study. The students were then randomly assigned to the experimental (n=۵۰) and control group (n=۵۰). Those in the experimental group were instructed by a flipped classroom model for ۱۰ sessions, while the control group participants were instructed on traditional methods. Before and after treatment, all the participants filled out the “Classroom Engagement Inventory” by Wang, Bergin, and Bergin (۲۰۱۴) which served as the pre and post-tests. A repeated measures ANCOVA was conducted to analyze the pre and post-tests of the experimental and control groups. The results indicated that the students' level of engagement in the experimental group increased in comparison to the performance of the students in the control group. Moreover, a semi-structured interview was conducted to find out students' perceptions of this model. Thematic analysis of the interview indicated that the students had positive perceptions of the model; believed that classroom and home activities remarkably increased their engagement; and preferred the role of the teacher in a flipped classroom than in a traditional one.It can be implicated that educators need to focus on the innovative methods of instruction by utilizing different technological tools.     

Keywords:

EFL learner , Flipped classroom , Learner Engagement , perception , Learner-centeredness