Effectiveness of the Flipped Classroom on Student Achievement in Secondary Education: A Meta-Analysis

Abstract

Abstract. This meta-analysis (25 articles, k = 44 independent data sources, N = 2,323) examines the effectiveness of flipped classroom on student achievement in secondary education. The flipped classroom model refers to an instructional approach in which students watch educational videos at home and homework assignments are done in class. Effect sizes were calculated for the research designs “post-test only”, “pre-test-post-test (time)” and “pre-test-post-test with control group (treatment)”. The meta-analytical findings for the condition “treatment” confirm the effectiveness of flipped classroom on student achievement in comparison to traditional instruction (Cohen's d = 0.42, 95 % CI [0.20 – 0.63], Z = 3.81, p < .001). Moderator analyses on the effect sizes “time” show stronger effects for subjects in the STEM area (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) than for foreign languages and humanities. The effect sizes were also higher for shorter intervention studies than for longer ones and if quiz at home had been left out. Moderator analyses on the effect sizes “post-test only” and “treatment” make clear that the effect sizes for intervention studies without a learning management system are higher than with a learning management system. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for educational practice.