Whether it’s through multimedia learning, online communication and collaboration, or personalized assessments, technology brings several benefits to education—not least the ability to teach remotely. But we know that in-person teaching has benefits, too, in building strong relationships and enabling closer observation of student progress. That’s where blended learning comes in—it allows you to combine the power of online learning with the traditional classroom.
Understanding and implementing these innovative ways of learning can take time, research, and careful consideration of how it could work for your students. We’ve made it easier for you by compiling this guide to blended learning strategies so you can get started without delay.
Key Takeaways
- In blended learning models, students complete some learning digitally (often remotely) and some in person.
- The digital components give students ownership of their learning and let them work at their own pace. They can also incorporate motivating elements like multimedia and gamification.
- In-person instruction gives you the chance to support students, monitor their progress, and facilitate real-life collaboration.
- You can introduce blended learning through common models like flipped or flexible learning, and combine it with strategies such as class debates, peer teaching, and extended projects.
What Is Blended Learning and How Does It Work?
Blended learning combines online learning with in-person instruction. Its popularity has risen since the COVID-19 pandemic, when many schools introduced remote learning. Although the pandemic’s acute period is now over, many realized there were advantages in retaining aspects of online learning.
Blended learning is different from simply using technology within the classroom; the key is giving students the opportunity to direct their own studies digitally at least some of the time, while also having the opportunity to seek support from teachers and other students in person.
By modeling the type of self-directed learning students may need to undertake in their next phase of study or work, blended learning helps them develop discipline, focus, and responsibility. Other benefits include building tech knowledge and crucial 21st-century skills of creative thinking and problem solving.
The in-person component allows you to assess their progress more holistically (for example, through discussion or presentation) and helps students engage and collaborate in a real-life setting.
Types of Blended Learning Models
The most common approaches to blended learning include the models below.
Flipped classroom
The flipped classroom sees students undertake their own remote learning before you leverage this in class. For example, students might learn how to solve math problems by watching instructional videos, understand a historical topic by listening to a podcast, or complete a series of digital lessons to walk through a scientific concept.
In this way, you can use classroom time for more creative and complex activities, like advanced problem-solving, creative group work, or experiments. However, you need to trust that your students will complete their remote learning responsibly.
Station rotation
The station rotation classroom allows you to deliver both the digital and in-person parts of blended learning in the classroom. Establish “stations” that students move between in fixed time blocks. This could be in different parts of the room, or resources can rotate between groups, depending on your setup. At least one block should be digital.
For example, in a history lesson, students could complete 3 stations:
- Reading a text and answering written questions
- Examining a set of pictures and coming up with their own interpretation of the historical evidence
- Undertaking a virtual journey through a historical location
This model keeps learning styles varied so students stay motivated, but it also allows you to integrate self-directed online learning within the classroom. This is ideal if they are still building skills of self-discipline.
Flexible learning
The flexible model gives students full control over their learning and is best suited for a longer period, such as a whole semester. You assign students a course of digital lessons that can be completed at home and in the classroom (if you have enough devices). Students work through the material at their own pace but have access to your in-person support when they’re in school.
You can combine this with “mastery learning,” where students can only progress to the next level if they achieve a certain assessment score. With digital assessment platforms like TAO, this can be easy to deliver, as you can instantly score and provide feedback.
5 Effective Strategies for Implementing Blended Learning in the Classroom
Here are some effective learning strategies to use within these common blended teaching models.
1. Debate
Students are asked to read and/or watch online material on a particular topic and formulate an opinion in advance of the lesson. For example, in history, you might ask students which potential cause of World War I they think was most influential.
In class, students present their ideas in the form of a debate. To give this more structure, you could assign points of view in advance and direct students to gather evidence in support, or ask students to work in groups to craft their speeches.
2. Peer teaching
Students complete remote learning by reading a text or watching a video. In class, they then teach a partner or small group. By assigning different topics and combining groups to cover each one, students can learn a whole theme from their peers.
For example, if each student has researched a famous female scientist from history, each group could come together in the classroom to cover 4 or 5 different examples before creating a poster to summarize “Women in Science.”
Maximize student engagement in peer teaching by setting some clear guidelines before starting.
3. Blogging, vlogging, and podcasting
Students can also create their own digital media content to represent their learning. They can do this remotely or in the classroom, either individually or working in groups. They can even give digital feedback to peers through online comments.
You could then use class time to share clips and identify areas that need improvement. This could work for book reviews, speeches, or even foreign languages.
4. Build-your-own support
This is especially useful for students with special educational needs and disabilities. Students take time in between lessons to develop their own support pack.
For example, you could give English language learners (ELLs) a list of important vocabulary they will need for the unit of learning; students create their own visual dictionary, including translations in their own language and helpful pictures. Students could also put together a library of video tutorials or create their own.
5. Capstone project
This approach works especially well with the longer-term flexible learning model. Students complete a project over an extended period, with clear stages to progress through.
For example, in design or computing, you could ask students to create their own tech startup. Students would need to do market research and generate ideas; design their app or website (at least as a mockup); write marketing copy; and pitch for investment.
Students would control their own pace, undertaking this work at home or in school, but complete regular formative assessments in lessons so you can monitor progress and provide support. The pitch forms the basis of the final summative assessment.
To keep students engaged, you can gamify the project by setting up different “levels” to progress through, or by assigning points as students move through the project.
Tying it all Together
Blended learning lets you combine student-led digital learning with in-person support, collaboration, and instruction. It can help students develop independence and self-discipline to manage their own learning, as well as build their tech and problem-solving skills.
At the same time, you can maintain strong personal relationships and help students develop communication and collaboration skills in real life. With just a few blended learning tools in your kit, you can start to implement this approach in ways that suit your class.
As a next step, you may want to explore how you can build regular assessment into your blended learning structure to make sure you’re monitoring student progress, or consider gamified approaches that can further boost motivation.
Integrate Digital Assessment Into Blended Learning
With our selection of blended learning strategies, you can support your students to manage their own digital learning while benefiting from close support and opportunities to interact with others. Assessment will form a key part of any blended learning model, as you’ll need to keep an eye on whether students are making progress and where you might need to provide more help.
Digital testing can slot in seamlessly with the blended model, as students can complete computerized assessments at home or in school and receive instant feedback. Book a demo with TAO today to understand how the customizable platform can support your strategy.
FAQs
Is blended learning motivating for students?
Blended learning can be highly motivating. Letting students work at their own pace gives them responsibility for their progress, which can help them feel more independent. Digital learning can also incorporate a variety of engaging learning techniques, including multimedia, gamification, and creative problem-solving.
Are there any disadvantages to blended learning?
As blended learning requires students to work independently during at least some of the course, they may need specific instruction on how to manage their focus and self-discipline. Additionally, some students may not have access to devices or an internet connection at home.
