At Concordia University in Ann Arbor, the flipped classroom isn’t just an occasional tool. It is fully embraced as the preferred instructional model for CUAA’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program.
The internet, personal electronic devices, and the ever-expanding catalogue of online learning apps and platforms have ushered in a new era of education, giving rise to innovative teaching methods like the flipped classroom. While the flipped learning approach as a concept only started to gain traction within the past couple decades, the pedagogical approach is far more than just a passing trend. Research backs its efficacy too.
At Concordia University in Ann Arbor, the flipped classroom isn’t just an occasional tool; it’s the foundational approach of multiple healthcare programs at CUAA, including the Doctor of Physical Therapy program. Unlike other DPT programs in Michigan that may incorporate elements of flipped instruction, CUAA has fully embraced the model across the entire curriculum. Every DPT faculty member undergoes specialized training through Concordia’s curriculum partner, Rehab Essentials, ensuring consistency and excellence in flipped instruction.
But what exactly does a flipped classroom mean for the student looking to pursue a DPT at CUAA, and how can the approach benefit both therapists and their clients? Let’s explore.
Understanding the Flipped Classroom Model
At its core, the flipped classroom model turns the traditional educational setup on its head. Instead of spending class time receiving lectures from instructors, students engage with asynchronous material outside of class, typically through videos, readings, or online modules. Then, when students arrive in class, they apply that knowledge through hands-on activities, discussions, and problem-solving exercises. This model allows the questions that arise from homework assignments following lecture to instead arise during class. Questions can be addressed in real time by an expert instructor while classmates are present. This tends to facilitate a deeper level of learning in all students.
How the Flipped Classroom Works in Physical Therapy
In the context of physical therapy, the flipped classroom would look something like this: Before attending class, students watch a series of pre-recorded, short lectures on a topic related to patient examination techniques. This asynchronous learning may be supplemented with readings and note-taking by the students. Students then frequently engage in some level of low-stakes assessment at the beginning of class to ensure their learning is sufficient to participate in classroom activities. This also helps the instructor identify which students may not understand certain content being presented.
Once the class period is underway, the instructor facilitates hands-on, applicable learning activities which may include such things as:
- Asking the instructor to further explain portions of the content that may be unclear
- Practicing hands-on skills for patient examination techniques
- Choosing appropriate exam techniques based on patient case scenarios presented to them
- Providing space for learners to give each other feedback on patient exam techniques to enhance learning for everyone present.
Benefits of the Flipped Classroom for Physical Therapy
1. Affords more time for hands-on practice
Physical therapy is a hands-on profession that requires the practical application of knowledge and skills. In a traditional classroom setting, students often spend more time listening to lectures and less time practicing techniques. The flipped classroom model allows students to dedicate more time to practicing interventions, working with patients, and refining their skills. This additional practice is invaluable in a field where hands-on competence is critical to success.
2. Increases student engagement
By shifting passive learning (listening to lectures) to active learning (applying knowledge), the flipped classroom encourages greater student involvement. In PT programs, where students must master complex material, active participation is essential. The hands-on nature of the flipped classroom keeps students engaged and invested in their learning.
3. Provides opportunities for self-paced learning
One of the great advantages of the flipped classroom is that students can learn at their own pace outside of class. In physical therapy, this means that students can spend additional time reviewing videos or reading materials on topics that are more challenging for them. They have the flexibility to revisit concepts as needed before applying them in class, helping to ensure a deeper understanding of the material.
4. Increases students’ interactions with faculty experts
The traditional classroom model often focuses on delivering content through lectures, leaving limited time for interactive learning and practical exercises. The flipped classroom maximizes the value of in-person class time by enabling instructors to guide students as they practice real-world skills. In PT, this could mean more time spent working on patient assessment techniques, therapeutic exercises, or learning how to adapt treatments for different conditions.
5. Fosters collaboration among peers
Physical therapists often work as part of a team, collaborating with other healthcare professionals to provide the best patient care. The flipped classroom encourages collaboration among students, allowing them to learn from each other’s perspectives and experiences. In class, students may pair up to practice techniques or discuss patient cases, helping to foster teamwork skills that are essential in clinical practice.
6. Enhances students’ clinical reasoning
Physical therapy students need to develop strong clinical reasoning skills, as they must make decisions about treatment approaches based on patient conditions, progress, and needs. The flipped classroom fosters these skills by allowing students to engage with clinical case studies and practice decision-making in a collaborative environment. Instead of simply memorizing information, students are encouraged to think critically about how to apply their knowledge to diverse, real-world scenarios.
Want in?
CUAA will continue to offer a variety of degrees in 2025-26 and beyond. Pursue a degree in healthcare at our North Building with its newly remodeled features and state-of-the-art simulation equipment, or earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in education through one of our well-established online programs. The CUAA campus continues to offer a route to a Lutheran Teacher Diploma to help equip Lutheran K-12 schools nationwide with qualified workers. In the near future, Concordia will look to reintroduce additional church work training opportunities in Ann Arbor by building a new vision and model for the undergraduate degree programs here.
Click here to view a full list of the programs Concordia will retain in Ann Arbor. Click below to schedule a visit with an Admissions team member.