Flipped Classroom on Top – Excellent Teaching Through a Method-Mix

Abstract

The continuing technological progress and changing conditions ofstudying have induced a demand for a realignment of academic teachingincluding the imparting of knowledge and competence transfer {{}[{}}1] {{}[{}}2]{{}[{}}3]. The question ``How do students learn?{{}''{}} gains a stronger focusof attention again. As a result, teachers take the tertiary didacticalinterventions and innovations into account. These trends are gearedtowards a ``shift from teaching to learning{{}''{}} {{}[{}}4] and call for astudent-centred teaching {{}[{}}5]. To meet the previously describeddevelopments, the Center for Learning and Knowledge Management at RWTHAachen University presents a concept based on a didactical method mix.Within the framework of the course, Kommunikation undOrganisationsentwicklung{{}''{}}(communication and organizationaldevelopment, KOE) a combination of numerous methods established, alreadyscientifically validated and positive evaluated methods plus new,innovative methods is used. The lecture is conceptualized mainly forfirst semester of mechanical engineering at RWTH Aachen University. Thesessions discuss various content-related aspects of organizationaldevelopment such as work and cooperation processes in a company orrepercussions and challenges of worldwide division of labor. Thedidactical conception of the lecture combines the following elements:Based on the ``Flipped Classroom{{}''{}} approach a participatory learningcurve emerges for the students. The course consists of two centralelements. First, there is the ``KOE-Online-Lecture{{}''{}}, a videorecording of the traditional lecture. In order to prepare for the``KOE-Discussion-Forum{{}''{}} they are able to watch the``KOE-Online-Lecture{{}''{}} in advance. The ``KOE-Discussion-Forum{{}''{}}constitutes the second element; it takes place every week and providesthe opportunity to discuss open questions or to hold lively debates. Inpractical-oriented tutorials for large groups the learning contents canbe reflected and deepened. The plenary ``KOE-Discussion-Forum{{}''{}}addresses several learning-types with different didactical concepts anddemonstrates various ways of studying {{}[{}}6].In the context of this paper the didactical concept of ``KOE{{}''{}}, whichhosts over 1,400 students, is described in detail in its complexmethodological structure. Future efforts for a continuous optimizationof the concept and an adaption of the target audience are delineated.