Class Welcomes New Teaching Style

NORTH BERGEN, NJ – This school year, Dr. Syed Abbasi, a High Tech professor, is choosing a new method when it comes to educating his students in his Business Applications Class. He is working to introduce a new teaching style referred to as “flipping the classroom,” which he hopes other teachers will eventually follow as well.

The notion of a flipped classroom is a two-part procedure. First, the students look over a case study of a topic, which are simulations of business situations, such as ethical behaviors, corporate environment, and integration of modern computer technology and computer applications. Then, they participate in class discussions and collaborate on activities that would apply to what they have learned. Finally, each student makes a presentation to the class, which is followed by a question-answer session. This gives the instructor a better opportunity to connect with the students and to conduct a brainstorming session, instead of instructing and teaching the students through homework and textbooks.

This new technique is not only allowing students to be textbook-free but also allowing them to get more involved during class time, leading both the instructor and the students onto the same track. Nearly all instructors would concur that connecting with their students is at the crown of their priority list, but is also something that is not simple to attain through lectures.

“I don’t believe in textbooks alone. I like to have students discuss with me and each other to gain a better perspective on the topic,” Dr. Abbasi says.

Flipping the classroom will allow the students to have more debates and share ideas not only with the instructor but among themselves as well. It will underline how significant communication is—in school and in the business world.

Another central concept of Dr. Abbasi’s teaching style is to incorporate real-world models of the topic at hand. In his opinion, reading, understanding, writing, critical thinking, brainstorming, and decision-making skills play a paramount role in any business environment. The Internet and the use of Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint will also be utilized in a flipped classroom, extensively.

“This method of teaching would be an excellent way for teachers to truly employ classroom time,” Lia Paiva Acosta, a junior year business student, says.

“I really hope we stay with this teaching method,” Tiffhanie Ramos, a junior year business student, adds.