Using Adult Learning Theory to Explore Student Perceptions of the Flipped Class Method

Abstract

Flipped classes have been gaining in popularity in recent years, and yet only a handful of marketing education papers have examined flipped class methods. In a time when creative methods for engaging students online and in-person are critical, this study analyzes open-ended, qualitative student comments from a flipped class course to explore the benefits and drawbacks of this method. This paper will also examine the qualitative student feedback through the lens of adult learning theory (ALT) to see the ways in which student comments overlap with best practices in the adult learning field. Three sections of a business communication course were converted into a flipped class, and qualitative responses from 84 students were analyzed. This research will help fill a much-needed gap in the marketing education literature by providing key insights into flipped class approaches while also connecting them with ALTs, which have heretofore remained under-explored in marketing education.