This study is aimed at investigating the effects of flipped learning on self-directed learning attitude in the college setting. For the aim, this study tried to see if there are meaningful changes in learners’ self-directed learning attitude over time. With the research aim in mind, an elective university class of 47 students was observed for 15 weeks. A survey questionnaire was developed from Guglielmino(1977)’s characteristics of self-directed learning attitude, and four characteristics were finally used for this study: Openness, self-directedness, responsibility, and passion for learning. The questionnaire was administered twice in the 5th and 14th weeks, followed by in-depth interviews with 9 participants. A non-parametric test for repeated t-test, Wilcoxon matched pairs signed rank test was used for data analysis. The research findings are as follows. First, the results of the questionnaire indicated that there were statistically meaningful changes in all 4 characteristics of learners’ self-directed learning attitude before and after flipped learning. Second, the analysis of in-depth interviews revealed that students felt positive about their flipped learning since it provided them with great opportunities to develop and strengthen their self-directed learning attitude. Implications and suggestions for further research are provided.
Flipped classroom is a pedagogical approach that inverts the flow of the traditional classroom. Due to recent interest in the effectiveness of the flipped learning, research on flipped learning has become pervasive. The purpose of this study, therefore, is to explore the applicability of flipped learning approach to the teaching of English vocabulary for Korean EFL learners. The participants of the study were 40 Korean high school students in Seoul and they were divided into two groups (flipped classroom and traditional classroom). The major results and findings of the study are as follows: The flipped classroom promoted the vocabulary acquisition of Korean high school students in terms of receptive and productive knowledge, which was shown to have a long-term effect. In addition, the flipped classroom had a positive effect on students’ learning attitudes and self-directed learning. Furthermore, the participants’ perceptions of the flipped classroom were very positive. Thus, the implementation of flipped learning will enable Korean instructors not only to explicitly teach vocabulary but also to encourage self-directed and interactive learning to take place in class. Given the beneficial effects of flipped classroom on the vocabulary learning, there is a need for further investigation of the flipped classroom on various skills of English.