Beyond the Video Lecture: Flipping the Classroom for Massive Modules

In part three of our guidance around teaching large cohorts, the team from the University of Exeter Business School are discussing flipped learning.

Flipped learning works – but only if students engage. Here’s how to design active, inclusive, and AI-resilient experiences at scale.

Flipped classrooms offer a compelling approach to teaching large cohorts, but scale introduces complexity. When students learn asynchronously, the quality of materials and the structure of workshops become even more critical. In extra-large modules (think 500+ students), there’s little room for disengagement.

At Exeter, educators have experimented with flipped approaches in extra-large modules. Here’s what we’ve learned about making them work, for both students and staff.

1. Design for Curiosity, Not Just Coverage

Asynchronous content shouldn’t feel like a chore. Short videos, embedded quizzes, diverse readings, and reflective prompts can spark curiosity and encourage self-directed learning. Aim for videos under 15 minutes with clear timestamps for easy revisiting. Including self-check Q&As helps students test their knowledge before seminars.

To minimise AI over-reliance, personalise the content:

·       Frame modules around specific, debate-worthy themes

·       Use less mainstream or contested concepts

·       Mix in real-life stories, practitioner input, and varied source materials

·       Include practical activities, for example a 10-minute reflective exercise as part of a video with background music

The more context-specific your content is, the harder it is to outsource thinking to ChatGPT, and the more students will engage.

2. Make Workshops Vital, Not Redundant

In flipped formats, workshops shouldn’t duplicate the online content – they should build on it. Use class time to apply theory to real-world cases, run debates, or simulate business scenarios. If students feel workshops are essential to doing well in assignments, attendance and participation will follow.

Promote interaction through:

·       Team-based discussions and challenges

·       Playful pedagogical approaches (e.g. small games like Dobble and InnoPlay energisers that create an active learning environment)

·       Role play (e.g. students acting as investors, founders, or consultants)

·       ‘Crazy 8s’ ideation rounds to ensure all voices are heard

Create opportunities for students to think differently, test ideas, and explore multiple perspectives – especially valuable in diverse, interdisciplinary cohorts.

3. Build Relevance and Flexibility Into Assessment

To deepen engagement, assessments must link clearly to the flipped learning experience. Students should be required to draw on module-specific materials, not generic theory, encouraging meaningful interaction with the asynchronous content and workshops alike.

Flexibility matters too. Some students thrive in group settings; others prefer to work solo. Some are analytical; others are conceptual. Blending activities – writing, discussion, digital tools, visual mapping – helps meet students where they are.

4. Community is Key

Don’t let scale erase social connection. Flipped modules are prone to drift, so design opportunities for cohort-wide interaction whilst treating each workshop as an independent cohort:

·       Group assessments with peer review

·       All-class events, competitions or pitch nights

·       Optional networking meetups or informal welcome sessions

Building bonds early helps students stay motivated, and reminds them they’re not just working alone.

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