Title: A case study from a Japanese flipped engineering research course

Authors: Yoshihiro Hirata

Addresses: Department of Life Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering, Hokkai-Gakuen University, 1-1, S26-W11, Chuo-ku, Sapporo 064-0926, Japan

Abstract: This study describes a process of testing a flipped teaching approach in ongoing graduate research classes given in an engineering course in a Japanese university. At the beginning of the course, students were required to brainstorm their ideas on their projects and make research plans outlining them. Four months later, they were required to give biweekly presentations about their progress towards their final presentations. This study explores the effectiveness of an approach, which requires students in advance of class to watch video-recorded instructions created by the instructor. It also examines the benefits and drawbacks of instructors' customisation of the flipped teaching approach and updates on students' progress.

Keywords: blended learning; communications; flexibility; flipped classroom; graduate research; Japan; tertiary institutions; online learning; e-learning; electronic learning; video-recorded instructions; case study; engineering research; engineering education; higher education.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSS.2016.077945

International Journal of Services and Standards, 2016 Vol.11 No.2, pp.111 - 120

Received: 02 Nov 2015
Accepted: 18 Mar 2016
Published online: 23 Jul 2016 *

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