An innovation in Flipped Class Room: A teaching model to facilitate synchronous and asynchronous learning during a pandemic

OBJECTIVE: To conduct an on line Flipped Class Room (FCR) to facilitate synchronous (in class activity) and asynchronous learning [Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)] and acquire feedback of the learning experience from medical students at Aga Khan University. METHODS: This interventional study was conducted with year II students undergoing Endocrine Reproduction Module at the Aga Khan University during April 13 to May 22, 2020. Pre reading material and pretest was shared with the students via Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) one week before the class. Microsoft Teams was used to conduct online session by two facilitators, where student discussion on case studies was encouraged. A WhatsApp group was created with the facilitators to respond to any student queries. The session was recorded and later uploaded on VLE. Posttest and a student satisfaction survey was conducted at the end of the session. RESULTS: The average score for the pretest and posttest was 19.67 ± 1.37 and 24.60 ± 1.34 respectively (p value <0.05). The learner curve showed an increase in the knowledge learned by 4.93 points (p value <0.05). Fifty-five percent students felt that placement of session was appropriate and were satisfied with the instructions and expected outcomes, received constructive feedback for improvement and generated positive attitude towards learning. CONCLUSIONS: The innovative model of FCR through facilitation of synchronous and asynchronous learning empowered student’s engagement and interactive learning. Students perceived this as a great learning experience which they enjoyed with positive reinforcement from feedback given by the facilitators. They suggested continuation of this model for further learning sessions in other modules of undergraduate medical education at Aga Khan University.