Abstract Book of the 8th International Academic Conference on Education, Teaching and Learning
Year: 2025
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Exploring the Impact of Flipped Classroom on Student Soft Skills Enhancement in a Higher Education Context
Somaia Abdullah AlKendi
ABSTRACT:
This study explores the pedagogical efficacy of the flipped classroom model in fostering critical soft skills, including critical thinking, communication, and teamwork, within the context of higher education in Oman. By restructuring traditional teacher-cantered approaches, the flipped classroom integrates pre-class independent learning with in-class collaborative and interactive activities, promoting a learner-cantered environment. This research adopts a qualitative methodology, utilizing semi-structured interviews with six students and three faculty members from English department to explore the perceived outcomes and challenges of this approach. The findings demonstrate marked enhancements in student engagement, comprehension, and skill acquisition, alongside persistent challenges such as resource accessibility, time management, and variations in student readiness. The study offers actionable recommendations for addressing these challenges, emphasizing the importance of adaptive instructional design, robust support systems, and a nuanced understanding of contextual factors. This research contributes to the evolving discourse on innovative teaching practices, positioning the flipped classroom as a transformative approach for developing soft skills essential for academic and professional success in dynamic global contexts.
Keywords: active learning, constructivism, collaborative learning, pedagogy, student engagement