Which teaching strategy has students read and study the material at home prior to coming to class?

The strategy where students read and study the material at home prior to attending class is known as "flipping the classroom." This approach reverses traditional learning dynamics by assigning instructional content to be learned independently through readings, videos, or other resources outside of class. In-class time is then reserved for engaging activities, discussions, or practical applications of the knowledge gained at home.

This method encourages students to take responsibility for their own learning and prepares them for more interactive and collaborative experiences during classroom time. By doing so, instructors can dedicate the in-class time to deeper exploration of the topics, clarification of complex concepts, and fostering critical thinking through discussions and group work, which enhances overall comprehension and retention of the material.

This strategy is distinct from other teaching methods. For instance, blended or hybrid learning incorporates both online educational materials and in-person classroom methods, but does not necessarily flip the learning process. Self-directed learning emphasizes the learner's autonomy across various contexts, often without specific classroom guidelines. Student-centered learning focuses on tailoring the teaching methods to address students’ needs and learning styles, but does not specifically imply prior study outside of class.