Implementation of a Web-Based Educational Intervention for Promoting Flipped Classroom Pedagogy: A Mixed-Methods Study

Med Sci Educ. 2022 Dec 24;33(1):91-106. doi: 10.1007/s40670-022-01706-7. eCollection 2023 Feb.

Abstract

Introduction: Flipped classroom pedagogy (FCP) is recognised as an effective and efficient teaching-learning method. However, nursing students and teachers may be hesitant to adopt FCP due to technophobia and time constraints linked to academic and clinical responsibilities. This necessitates the provision of promotional training for adopting FCP. However, there is a dearth of research regarding how the practice of FCP could be promoted and in demonstrating its efficacy in developing countries. Thus, this study aimed to examine the educational impact of a web-based education intervention, branded as the Flipped Classroom Navigator (FCN), for promoting FCP in nursing education in Sri Lanka.

Methods: This mixed-methods study employed pre- and post-training knowledge tests, the Instructional Materials Motivation Survey (IMMS), the Perceived Transfer of Learning Questionnaire survey, and collected students' and teachers' open-ended responses to evaluate the impact of the FCN. Fifty-five undergraduate nursing students and 15 university teachers participated in the study from two state universities in Sri Lanka. Repeated-measures ANOVA, t-tests, Levene's test of homogeneity, Cohen's d, and an inductive thematic approach were employed in the data analysis.

Results: Post-training knowledge test scores were significantly higher than the pre-training knowledge test scores indicating improved understanding of FCP. Participants were also highly motivated to learn in the FCN instructional materials. Participants exhibited positive attitudes towards FCN training with transfer of learning to their teaching-learning practice. The inductive thematic analysis identified the following themes: user experiences, FCN learning content, behaviour changes, and suggested improvements.

Conclusion: Overall, the FCN enhanced both students' and teachers' knowledge and understanding of FCP in undergraduate nursing education.

Supplementary information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40670-022-01706-7.

Keywords: Blended learning; Flipped classroom; Sri Lanka; Teaching/learning strategies; Undergraduate nursing education; Web-based intervention.