As a big advocate for the flipped learning approach, one thing that I encourage all students to do in order to maximise classroom learning is to do the easy stuff before entering the classroom. With the flipped learning approach, students will generally be introduced to the content of the syllabus in their own time. This might be watching one of my videos covering the syllabus points that you are up to, reading through the relevant content on the website, or finding other sources of information that cover the dot and dash points in the HSC or Prelim PDHPE syllabus.

The reason why I recommend this approach is because you don’t normally need your teacher to tell you content, you need your teacher to answer your questions, clarify misunderstandings or help you apply and critique the content. 

Basically, if you can learn it from a video or a book, you do it yourself. So if you are covering energy systems, for example, you might read the pages on my site, or watch the video on YouTubeYou would take notes and summarise the information as you read or listen to the content. This means that you don’t need to have your teacher spend 30-40 minutes of lecturing in class. You can skip straight to asking them questions, applying your knowledge, critiquing information and other actions that require more thinking about and using the content. 

Now, even if your teacher doesn’t flip YOU can apply this approach in order to improve your learning during class time. You can read ahead, or watch the next video following your Syllabus. This will prepare you well for class. Here you can ask your questions, help your classmates by teaching them what you know, answering their questions and more. Your class time would no longer be taken up with writing notes as your teacher talks. Instead, you can apply this information as they talk, find extra examples, do a past exam question or create flashcards to test yourself and your classmates.

By doing the easy bits in your own time you will free up your class time to focus on higher order thinking. That is, for application, questioning, critiquing, relating various pieces of information to each other or getting a greater depth of understanding. This will help you succeed in your HSC. There is heaps of research on the benefits of flipping as long as it is done well. Don’t let your teacher get you to watch a video and think that means you learnt it. Get them to answer questions, provide you with feedback on practice questions, or just reteach bits you struggled to understand.

If you need a place to start. As your teacher to show you the syllabus, what you have covered, what is next. Then, go to my YouTube channel and find the flipped learning playlist for your current topic and watch the videos before class. Write down questions to ask in class, and watch your understanding and confidence in PDHPE grow.