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Article

Effects of a Flipped Classroom College Business Course on Students’ Pre-Class Preparation, In-Class Participation, Learning, and Skills Development

Faculty of Business, Creative Industries and Culinary Arts, George Brown College, Toronto, ON M5A 3W8, Canada
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(8), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15080301 (registering DOI)
Submission received: 9 July 2025 / Revised: 30 July 2025 / Accepted: 31 July 2025 / Published: 2 August 2025
(This article belongs to the Section Organizational Behavior)

Abstract

As an example of pedagogical approaches that blend online and face-to-face instruction, the flipped classroom model has seen exponential growth in business schools. To explore its effectiveness, expectancy-value theory and cognitive load theory were employed to develop a framework linking students’ perceived usefulness of the online and in-person content to their pre-class preparation, class participation, perceived learning, and skills development. A preliminary test of this framework was conducted using a flipped Organizational Behavior course within a business diploma program at a publicly funded Canadian college. The perceived usefulness of the online component was positively associated with students’ pre-class preparation, which, in turn, was positively related to both their perceived learning and skills development. Implications for practice and directions for future research are discussed.

1. Introduction

There has been a rapid increase in the use of instructional approaches that blend online and face-to-face delivery to promote student-centered, active learning (Al-Samarraie et al., 2020). Among these blended models, the flipped classroom (also referred to as the inverted classroom) has gained significant attention in higher education, particularly within business schools (Strelan et al., 2020; Wolfe, 2020; Yamarik, 2019). Although specific implementations vary (DeLozier & Rhodes, 2017; Picault, 2019), there is general consensus that a flipped classroom comprises two core components: an asynchronous online learning phase, during which students acquire foundational subject knowledge through self-regulated engagement with course materials prior to class; and a synchronous face-to-face learning phase, during which students participate in interactive learning activities (Cheng et al., 2019; Yilmaz & Baydas, 2017). A central feature of the flipped classroom involves transforming traditional in-person lectures into an online format to free up class time for active learning experiences (Abeysekera & Dawson, 2015; Cheng et al., 2019). Compared to conventional teaching methods, flipped classrooms offer the potential to enhance student learning by balancing pre-class, self-directed study with in-class, instructor-led engagement. Indeed, several meta-analyses across disciplines have reported positive outcomes associated with flipped classroom implementations (Al-Samarraie et al., 2020; Strelan et al., 2020; Xu et al., 2019).
Although the flipped classroom concept offers potentially unique pedagogical advantages compared to traditional approaches, its effectiveness from a learning standpoint relies heavily on students’ pre-class preparation and in-class participation (Abeysekera & Dawson, 2015; Akçayır & Akçayır, 2018). Both components are essential and engage distinct types of learning. For example, using Bloom’s taxonomy, Huang and Lin (2017) and Lo (2018) argued that pre-class preparation entails lower-order cognitive processes in terms of remembering and understanding, whereas in-class participation fosters higher-order learning through the application, analysis, evaluation, and creation of knowledge. Accordingly, some researchers have emphasized the importance of pre-class preparation (e.g., Price & Walker, 2021; J. N. Walsh & Rísquez, 2020), while others have highlighted the benefits of in-class engagement, including direct interaction with the instructor, real-time feedback and guidance, and collaborative peer learning (Al-Samarraie et al., 2020; Yamarik, 2019). Even so, simply shifting lectures to an online format and prioritizing interactive learning during class time does not guarantee that students will be sufficiently motivated to commit to both preparatory and participatory tasks. For instance, Becker and Proud (2018) found that fewer than 50% of students across three business courses accessed all assigned instructional videos before class. Similarly, in a flipped Introduction to Management course, Fadol et al. (2018) reported a student absence rate of 20.6%, significantly higher than that in the traditional lecture-based version. Additionally, a group of instructors teaching various business and professional communication courses identified the most significant drawback of the flipped classroom model as students’ tendency to neglect out-of-class assignments, rendering them ill-prepared for the in-class learning experience (Hall & DuFrene, 2016).
Overall, despite a growing body of literature on student learning experiences and outcomes in flipped classrooms (Kantanen et al., 2019), comparatively less attention has been devoted to the critical roles of student pre-class preparation and in-class participation. In the business education literature in particular, these components are frequently overlooked or taken for granted in discussions of successful flipped classroom implementation. Consequently, scholars have called for further research into the antecedents and consequences of students’ pre-class preparation and in-class engagement in flipped learning environments (e.g., Beenan & Arbaugh, 2019; Price & Walker, 2021; J. N. Walsh & Rísquez, 2020). Moreover, it is widely acknowledged in higher education that students’ perceived usefulness of out-of-class and/or in-class learning tasks can influence their subsequent participation (Kantanen et al., 2019; Leaper, 2011; Sletten, 2017). Nevertheless, limited empirical evidence exists on how students’ perceived usefulness of the online and in-class components of flipped classrooms affects their pre-class preparation, in-class participation, and overall learning outcomes.
The primary objective of this paper is to bridge the identified gaps within the current literature. In doing so, it seeks to make two key contributions. First, this paper offers an extensive review of flipped classroom research, focusing on student pre-class preparation and in-class participation. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current studies on the factors that influence and result from these behaviors, serving as a critical step towards a deeper understanding of student learning in flipped classroom environments. Second, this paper proposes and empirically tests, through the lens of expectancy-value theory and cognitive load theory, a framework elucidating how the perceived usefulness of online and in-class components motivates business students to engage in pre-class preparation and in-class participation. This framework ultimately aims to explain how such motivation contributes to students’ perceived learning and skills development. In this context, usefulness is defined as the extent to which students believe that each component contributes to learning a given subject and leads to stronger academic performance. Empirical findings reveal statistically significant relationships between students’ perceived usefulness of the online component and their pre-class preparation, and between their pre-class preparation and perceived learning and skills development. Understanding student perceptions in these areas is essential, given their demonstrated positive association with learning outcomes (Garnjost & Lawter, 2019; Taber, 2019).
The overall structure of the paper is as follows. It begins with a comprehensive review of the literature on the antecedents and consequences of student pre-class preparation and in-class participation in flipped classroom settings, followed by the introduction of a conceptual framework. Aligned with this framework, seven hypotheses are formulated. An empirical study designed to test these hypotheses is subsequently presented, along with a discussion of practical implications and directions for future research.

2. Literature Review

Flipped classrooms have been widely adopted in the teaching of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines, demonstrating considerable success in terms of student learning experiences and outcomes (Al-Samarraie et al., 2020; Balaban et al., 2016). By contrast, there is ongoing debate regarding the extent to which this approach positively influences teaching and learning in business education (Price & Walker, 2021; Yamarik, 2019). Beyond fundamental differences in curriculum and course objectives, a key distinction between STEM and business education lies in the latter’s typically more inductive nature, wherein lectures are used to convey theoretical knowledge with the aim of encouraging students to adopt a more academic approach to their professional practices (Hung, 2015; A. Walsh & Powell, 2020). Indeed, a meta-analysis of 198 flipped classroom studies across various disciplines revealed that learning outcomes among business students were significantly lower than those observed in STEM fields (Strelan et al., 2020). Overall, the success of flipped classrooms in business schools appears more equivocal. Despite their centrality in STEM-based flipped classroom environments, the roles of pre-class preparation and in-class participation have been underexamined within business education contexts (Beric-Stojsic et al., 2020; Dombrowski et al., 2018; Hanson, 2016).

2.1. Antecedents and Consequences of Business Students’ Pre-Class Preparation

As noted earlier, the implementation of the flipped classroom concept has grown exponentially in business schools, encompassing a wide range of subjects, including accounting (Williams et al., 2019), business communication (Sherrow et al., 2016), business decision-making (Swart & Wuensch, 2016), business law (Murray et al., 2019), cross-cultural management (Desai et al., 2018), economics (Picault, 2019), finance (Lopes & Soares, 2018), human resource management (Huang & Lin, 2017), knowledge management (J. N. Walsh & Rísquez, 2020), management information systems (Adkins, 2014), marketing (Scovotti, 2016), organizational behavior (Beenan & Arbaugh, 2019), and operations management (Asef, 2015).
Several antecedents to business students’ pre-class preparation in flipped classroom settings have been identified. Fadol et al. (2018) found that students with high absence rates in a flipped Introduction to Management course accessed online course materials less frequently than those with low absence rates. Gelan et al. (2018) reported a positive association between students’ performance on oral examinations and the effort they invested in pre-class preparation during a flipped Business French course. In this context, effort was measured by the time spent studying online learning sessions, the number of online materials reviewed, and the timeliness of accessing those sessions. In a flipped Knowledge Management course, J. N. Walsh and Rísquez (2020) found that students’ pre-class preparation, indicated by the frequency and timeliness of accessing online video lectures, varied according to gender and language profile. In a flipped Organizational Behavior course, Beenan and Arbaugh (2019, p. 4) found that students’ autonomous motivation orientation, defined as a tendency to “focus effort and attention on activities that enhance learning,” positively influenced their out-of-class preparation, measured by the time spent watching online video lectures. Becker and Proud (2018) investigated three flipped statistics and econometrics courses and found that students’ pre-class preparation, assessed via self-reported frequency of accessing online videos and time spent on problem-solving tasks, was positively linked to their preference for the flipped classroom over traditional methods. However, in flipped Leisure Services and Hospitality Management courses, Xiu and Thompson (2020) found that students’ use of online course materials was unrelated to their motivational beliefs, including perceived control of learning, self-efficacy, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, and task value.
Regarding the consequences of pre-class preparation, Adkins (2014) reported that students in a flipped Management Information Systems course who engaged more with pre-class materials (e.g., reading texts, listening to audio lectures, completing quizzes) achieved higher scores on subsequent in-class quizzes. Similarly, in a flipped Introduction to Management course, Fadol et al. (2018) observed a positive relationship between the frequency with which students accessed online lecture materials and their overall course grades.

2.2. Antecedents and Consequences of Business Students’ In-Class Participation

Three studies have examined the antecedents of students’ in-class participation within the context of flipped business courses. Becker and Proud (2018) found that pre-class preparation, measured by the self-reported frequency of accessing online teaching videos and the time spent working on problem-solving questions, was positively associated with in-class attendance. In a flipped International Economics course, Yamarik (2019) reported a negative association between students’ midterm exam scores and their subsequent in-class attendance, suggesting that some students may have perceived attendance as nonessential to their academic performance. Regarding personal characteristics, Beenan and Arbaugh (2019) found that students’ autonomous motivation orientation was unrelated to their self-reported participation in team-based in-class activities.
The impact of in-class participation in flipped learning environments is generally evident, with studies in disciplines such as Principles of Economics (Balaban et al., 2016), Introductory Microeconomics (Calimeris, 2018), and Managerial Accounting Principles (Downen & Hyde, 2016) demonstrating a positive relationship between student attendance in face-to-face sessions and academic outcomes. However, Yamarik (2019) reported a negative correlation between class attendance after the midterm exam and students’ final exam scores.

3. A Framework of the Flipped Classroom and Associated Hypotheses

Several theoretical frameworks have been proposed to explain the anticipated pedagogical advantages of the flipped classroom model. These include adult learning theory (Pence, 2016), constructivism theory (Sohrabi & Iraj, 2016), learning space theory (Burford & Chan, 2017), levels of processing theory (He et al., 2018), psychological contract theory (Beenan & Arbaugh, 2019), and transactional distance theory (Swart & Wuensch, 2016). Additionally, to understand students’ learning experiences and outcomes in flipped classrooms, researchers have applied cognitive load theory (Sweller, 1988), expectancy-value theory (Eccles et al., 1983), goal-setting theory (Schwarzenberg & Navón, 2020), priming theory (Strelan et al., 2020), self-determination theory (Ryan & Deci, 2000), and self-efficacy theory (McCord & Jeldes, 2019). Among these, two theoretical perspectives are especially pertinent to the objectives of this study. First, expectancy-value theory addresses the perceived usefulness of a learning task in relation to subsequent engagement. Second, cognitive load theory provides insight into the potential positive effects of the flipped classroom model on students’ perceptions of learning (M. A. Chen et al., 2019; Haghighi et al., 2019). As elaborated below, these two perspectives inform the framework presented in Figure 1.

3.1. Perceived Usefulness, Pre-Class Preparation, and In-Class Participation

Expectancy-value theory posits that learners are more likely to engage in a learning task when they both expect to succeed and perceive the task as valuable (Eccles et al., 1983; Leaper, 2011). Learning tasks carry at least two dimensions of value: intrinsic value, which refers to the enjoyment derived from the task itself, and extrinsic value, which relates to the task’s perceived usefulness in achieving future goals (cf. Wigfield & Eccles, 2000). Applied to online learning in the flipped classroom (OFC) context, students’ perceptions of the usefulness of OFC activities may depend on their beliefs about both intrinsic and extrinsic values. Specifically, students are likely to regard OFC as useful if they believe it facilitates subject mastery (intrinsic value) and contributes to higher test performance (extrinsic value). Wigfield and Eccles (2000) further argued that both intrinsic and extrinsic motivations shape learners’ perceptions of value. Intrinsic motivation reflects the extent to which an activity is inherently interesting or enjoyable, whereas extrinsic motivation concerns its implications for external rewards or outcomes (Ryan & Deci, 2000). According to Abeysekera and Dawson (2015), flipped classroom pedagogy fosters both forms of motivation by satisfying key psychological needs: autonomy (the desire of the self to be in control), competence (the desire to be competent in interacting with the environment), and relatedness (the desire to be attached to a social group). Building on this perspective, students’ intrinsic motivation to engage with OFC may increase when the approach is perceived as enjoyable, conducive to learning, and supportive of autonomy and competence. Similarly, extrinsic motivation may be enhanced when OFC is seen as instrumental in improving academic performance, which would further reinforce feelings of autonomy and competence. Overall, students’ perceived usefulness of OFC is expected to positively influence their pre-class preparatory efforts, as these perceptions foster both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation to engage with online course materials.
Hypothesis 1.
Students’ perceived usefulness of OFC is positively associated with their pre-class preparation.
The concepts of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation are also applicable in explaining variations in students’ perceived usefulness of in-class participation within the flipped classroom (IFC). Specifically, the motivation to attend in-person classes may be enhanced when attendance is perceived as beneficial for learning and as contributing to autonomy and competence (intrinsic motivation), as well as when it is viewed as instrumental in improving test performance (extrinsic motivation). Intrinsic motivation may be further strengthened by students’ sense of relatedness, developed through active engagement with instructors and peers during classroom activities (Abeysekera & Dawson, 2015). Indeed, all three psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) may be supported through IFC experiences (Strelan et al., 2020).
Hypothesis 2.
Students’ perceived usefulness of IFC is positively associated with their in-class participation.
The perceived usefulness of OFC is grounded in the premise that pre-class preparation facilitates the acquisition of subject-matter knowledge, which is subsequently deepened through in-class participation. Ideally, students’ pre-class preparation provides a foundational understanding, enabling meaningful engagement with instructors and peers (Day & Foley, 2006). This engagement, in turn, fosters feelings of competence, autonomy, and relatedness, which are key psychological needs supporting effective IFC. This expectation is consistent with empirical findings demonstrating a positive relationship between pre-class preparation and in-class participation (Becker & Proud, 2018; Fadol et al., 2018).
Hypothesis 3.
Students’ pre-class preparation is positively associated with their in-class participation.

3.2. Pre-Class Preparation, In-Class Participation, Perceived Learning, and Skills Development

Cognitive load theory posits that human working memory is significantly limited in both duration and capacity, making cognitive overload a common occurrence across various learning contexts (Sweller, 1988). When cognitive resources are directed toward processing extraneous information, fewer remain available for the deep comprehension and generalization necessary for sustained learning (C. Chen & Yen, 2021). This theory is particularly relevant to the flipped classroom model. For instance, Comber and Brady-Van den Bos (2018) and He et al. (2018) argue that the self-regulated nature of online learning enables students to manage their working memory more effectively, thereby reducing cognitive overload. From this viewpoint, self-regulated engagement with online learning resources is posited to enhance the storage and retention of subject-matter knowledge more efficiently than traditional lecture-based instruction. This advantage stems from the ability to review materials repeatedly and in ways that align with individual learning preferences. Consequently, cognitive overload is minimized, promoting enhanced learning outcomes and skills development (see Figure 1). Supporting this view, students’ pre-class preparation in flipped classroom settings has been positively associated with perceived learning in Pharmacology (Hanson, 2016) and skills development in Otorhinolaryngology (Dombrowski et al., 2018).
Hypothesis 4.
Students’ pre-class preparation is positively associated with (H4a) their perceived learning and (H4b) their skills development.
Cognitive load theory also carries important implications for in-class participation. As illustrated in Figure 1, during the face-to-face component of the flipped classroom, instructors can tailor active learning strategies to accommodate varying levels of student knowledge, thereby helping to prevent cognitive overload (Abeysekera & Dawson, 2015; Çakiroğlu et al., 2020). Consequently, students’ in-class participation is expected to contribute positively to both learning outcomes and skills development. This expectation is supported by empirical evidence: student participation has been shown to positively influence perceived learning (e.g., Beric-Stojsic et al., 2020, in a flipped medicine course) and course performance (e.g., Downen & Hyde, 2016, in a flipped managerial accounting course).
Hypothesis 5.
Students’ in-class participation is positively associated with (H5a) their perceived learning and (H5b) their skills development.

4. Method

4.1. Participants

The study was conducted in conjunction with a 15-week flipped course in Organizational Behavior (OB), offered as part of a business diploma program at a publicly funded college in Eastern Canada. A total of 106 students enrolled in the Winter 2016 semester were invited to complete a questionnaire during class sessions held between Weeks 13 and 15. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. Eighty-seven students completed the questionnaire; five responses with incomplete data were excluded, resulting in a final sample of 82 students (a 77% response rate). Approximately 80% of respondents were under 25 years of age, 54% were in the first year of the program, and gender distribution was nearly even, with 52% identifying as male.

4.2. Course Design

The course was designed to provide an overview of Organizational Behavior (OB) theories and principles, along with their application in a business context. It included both an asynchronous online curriculum module and a synchronous in-class component. The online flipped classroom portion (OFC) delivered in-depth explanations of OB concepts and theories through pre-recorded video lectures, assigned readings, and practice quizzes. This content was published weekly on the Blackboard learning platform. Each week, students were expected to spend 30–45 min preparing for the upcoming two-hour in-person class by reviewing the online materials.
During the in-class session (IFC), the instructor began with a brief review of the intended learning outcomes. Students then engaged in interactive group work using active learning strategies such as discussions, case studies, role plays, and simulations. The instructor circulated throughout the classroom to consult with groups, respond to questions, and provide support as needed. Each session concluded with a short quiz designed to assess students’ understanding of the intended learning outcomes. Table 1 outlines the weekly course content, and the assessments used to evaluate student performance.

4.3. Instruments

The primary research variables included students’ perceived usefulness of both OFC and IFC, and their level of pre-class preparation and in-class attendance, as well as their perceived learning and skills development. Unless otherwise specified, responses were collected using a five-point Likert-type scale (4 = Strongly Agree; 3 = Moderately Agree; 2 = Moderately Disagree; 1 = Strongly Disagree; 0 = Not Sure). The internal reliability of the measurement items was validated through a pilot study involving 73 students enrolled in the same flipped Organizational Behavior course during the Winter 2015 semester.

4.3.1. Perceived Usefulness of OFC/IFC

Six items (see Table 2), adapted from instruments developed by Moran and Milsom (2015) and Yoshida (2016), were used to evaluate students’ perceived usefulness of OFC. These adaptations were necessary because, at the time of data collection, no single scale encompassed all relevant aspects of online learning (e.g., PowerPoint presentations, video lectures, and online quizzes). Item means were calculated, with higher scores indicating greater perceived usefulness. The internal consistency of this scale was acceptable, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.85.
Students’ perceived usefulness of IFC was assessed using four modified items from Moran and Milsom (2015). Again, mean scores were calculated, with higher scores reflecting higher perceived usefulness. The Cronbach’s alpha for this scale was 0.82.

4.3.2. Pre-Class Preparation

Following the methodologies of Fadol et al. (2018) and Pejuan and Antonijuan (2019), a single self-reported item was used to assess students’ pre-class preparation: “On average, how many minutes did you read and study in-class materials prior to coming to class?” Responses were collected using a six-point scale: 0 = 10 min or less; 1 = 10–30 min; 2 = 30–60 min; 3 = 60–90 min; 4 = 90–120 min; 5 = 120 min or more.

4.3.3. In-Class Attendance

In line with Becker and Proud (2018) and Fadol et al. (2018), a single self-reported item was used to assess students’ in-class attendance: “On average, how often did you attend the classes in this course?” Responses were recorded using a four-point scale: 3 = Once a week; 2 = Twice a month; 1 = Once a month; 0 = Less than once a month.

4.3.4. Perceived Learning

At the time of data collection, no single scale existed to assess all targeted dimensions of student learning, such as understanding concepts, theories, and principles; enhancing personal development; and applying acquired knowledge. Consequently, five modified items (see Table 2) were adapted from instruments developed by Kim et al. (2014), Sinouvassane and Nalini (2016), and Wong et al. (2014). mean scores were calculated, with higher scores indicating greater levels of perceived learning. The Cronbach’s alpha for this scale was 0.85.

4.3.5. Perceived Skills Development

Based on the learning objectives of the flipped Organizational Behavior (OB) course, six items were developed to assess students’ perceived skills development (see Table 2). Mean scores were calculated, with higher values indicating greater levels of perceived skills development. The Cronbach’s alpha for this scale was 0.86.

4.3.6. Control Variables

J. N. Walsh and Rísquez (2020) found that students’ gender was associated with the level of pre-class preparation effort, while Beric-Stojsic et al. (2020) examined gender as a predictor of in-class participation in the flipped classroom. Accordingly, gender was controlled for in the data analysis (0 = Male; 1 = Female). Students’ learning habits have also been shown to influence learning behavior in both traditional lecture-based courses and online learning environments (Hung, 2015; Yang et al., 2018). To assess these habits, ten items originally developed by Biggs et al. (2001) were adapted. These items were designed to evaluate surface learning, a habit characterized by the pursuit of narrow academic goals with minimal effort. A five-point Likert-type scale was used (4 = Strongly Agree; 3 = Moderately Agree; 2 = Moderately Disagree; 1 = Strongly Disagree; 0 = Not Sure), and mean scores were calculated such that higher values reflected stronger tendencies toward negative learning habits. The Cronbach’s alpha for this scale was 0.89.

4.4. Data Analysis Approach

SPSS 26.0 was utilized for all data analyses. To examine the construct validity of the ten items measuring the perceived usefulness of OFC and IFC, as well as the eleven items evaluating perceived learning and skills development, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with oblique rotation (direct oblimin; Meyers et al., 2006) was performed. Bivariate correlations and hierarchical multiple regression analyses were subsequently conducted to explore the relationships among the research variables.

5. Results

5.1. Construct Validity Test

Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) with direct oblimin rotation, conducted on items related to OFC and IFC, revealed two distinct factors, as intended (see Table 2). Specifically, six items measuring the perceived usefulness of OFC loaded significantly onto Factor 1 (factor loadings ranged from 0.84 to 0.56), while four items assessing the perceived usefulness of IFC loaded significantly onto Factor 2 (loadings ranged from 0.86 to 0.65). As expected, the two factors were moderately correlated (r = 0.53). A second EFA, also using direct oblimin rotation, supported the hypothesized structure: six items measuring perceived skills development loaded significantly onto Factor 1 (loadings ranged from 0.83 to 0.63), and five items measuring perceived learning loaded significantly onto Factor 2 (loadings ranged from 0.88 to 0.59). These two factors were similarly correlated (r = 0.53).

5.2. Perceived Usefulness, Pre-Class Preparation, and In-Class Participation

Bivariate correlation analysis (see Table 3) indicated that students’ perceived usefulness of OFC was positively associated with pre-class preparation (r = 0.26, p < 0.05). In contrast, the perceived usefulness of IFC showed no significant relationship with in-class attendance (r = 0.10, p > 0.05). These findings remained consistent when controlling for student gender in the multiple regression analysis (see Table 4, Models 1 and 2). Specifically, students’ perceived usefulness of OFC remained positively associated with pre-class preparation (β = 0.24, p < 0.05), while their perceived usefulness of IFC continued to show no significant association with in-class attendance. Thus, Hypothesis 1 was supported, whereas Hypothesis 2 was not.
Additionally, pre-class preparation was not significantly correlated with in-class attendance (r = –0.07, p > 0.05; see Table 3). This non-significant relationship persisted after controlling for student gender via multiple regression (β = –0.16, p > 0.05; see Table 4, Model 3), leading to the rejection of Hypothesis 3.

5.3. Pre-Class Preparation, In-Class Participation, Perceived Learning, and Skills Development

Table 2 indicates that students’ pre-class preparation was positively associated with both perceived learning (r = 0.31, p < 0.01) and skills development (r = 0.34, p < 0.01). In contrast, in-class attendance was not significantly related to either perceived learning (r = 0.05, p > 0.05) or skills development (r = –0.14, p > 0.05). These relationships remained consistent after controlling for students’ learning habits through multiple regression analysis (see Table 4, Models 4–7). Specifically, pre-class preparation continued to be positively associated with perceived learning (β = 0.31, p < 0.05) and skills development (β = 0.26, p < 0.05), supporting Hypotheses 4a and 4b. Conversely, in-class attendance remained unrelated to both perceived learning (β = 0.02, p > 0.05) and skills development (β = –0.21, p > 0.05), leading to the rejection of Hypotheses 5a and 5b.

6. Discussion

6.1. Perceived Usefulness, Pre-Class Preparation, and In-Class Participation

As anticipated, students’ perceived usefulness of OFC positively influenced their pre-class preparation. This finding aligns with the idea that when students perceive online course materials as beneficial for learning and improving test performance, they are both intrinsically and extrinsically motivated to invest greater effort in studying those materials prior to class.
Surprisingly, the study found that neither the perceived usefulness of IFC nor pre-class preparation was significantly related to in-class attendance. This may be attributable to the habitual nature of attendance, which tends to be resistant to change (e.g., routine class attendance; Y. Chen et al., 2014). Consequently, even when instructors facilitate meaningful in-class interactions, many students may simply not be present to benefit from them. Indeed, habitual resistance has been identified as a major impediment to the successful implementation of flipped classroom pedagogy (Boeve et al., 2017; Green & Schlairet, 2017). Similarly, previous research suggests that many students struggle to adapt their learning behaviors to the flipped classroom model (Y. Chen et al., 2014; He et al., 2016). This challenge may be more pronounced among male students, who were found to attend class less frequently than their female counterparts (see Table 3). Overall, the perceived usefulness of IFC may not be sufficient to overcome entrenched patterns of classroom non-attendance.
The lack of a relationship between pre-class preparation and class attendance may reflect some students’ perception that their pre-class efforts were sufficient for mastering the material, thereby reducing the perceived need for additional in-class activities. For these students, the OFC component alone may evoke feelings of competence, autonomy, and relatedness typically associated with classroom participation. This interpretation aligns with research suggesting that the availability of online course materials can negatively impact attendance (Asarta & Schmidt, 2015; He et al., 2015). Indeed, Yamarik (2019) observed that some business students in a flipped classroom format exhibited irregular class attendance, attributing their absence to the perception that online lectures served as an adequate substitute for in-person sessions. Thus, paradoxically, well-developed online content may inadvertently undermine class attendance.

6.2. Pre-Class Preparation, In-Class Participation, Perceived Learning, and Skills Development

Pre-class preparation had a positive impact on both perceived learning and skills development in the flipped classroom, even after accounting for students’ learning habits. This finding aligns with the view that self-regulated online learning enables students to manage working memory effectively and avoid cognitive overload. In-class attendance, however, did not correlate with either outcome when students’ learning habits were factored into the analysis. These results were unexpected, as in-class active learning activities are generally assumed to reduce cognitive overload. Three explanations stand out. First, IFC emphasizes active learning activities. As previously noted, engaging in these activities enhances students’ perceived learning and skills development by reducing cognitive overload. However, the effectiveness of such activities depends heavily on their implementation. That is, their impact is influenced by factors such as the instructor’s knowledge, experience, and motivation in applying the approach; these factors can significantly affect students’ in-class learning outcomes (Alcalde & Nagel, 2019; Gelan et al., 2018). Second, students’ perceptions of learning under any instructional method are shaped by their prior expectations (Jian, 2019). Based on this insight, it can be argued that, through pre-class online preparation and interactions with proponents of the flipped classroom model, some students may develop elevated expectations regarding the value of the active learning component. However, such expectations are not always met. When this occurs, students perceive a discrepancy between their actual and anticipated learning experiences, resulting in lower perceived learning outcomes. Third, students’ motivational orientation plays a critical role in their self-regulated learning efforts and in-class participation. Specifically, when students’ motivational orientation is not aligned with online learning components or in-class activities, they are less likely to invest effort in these areas. Indeed, Beenan and Arbaugh (2019) found that an autonomous motivational orientation positively influenced the time students spent watching online video lectures prior to class; however, it was not associated with their self-reported participation in team-based in-class activities. In summary, the instructional proficiency of the flipped classroom instructor, students’ expectations of in-class active learning activities and motivational orientation may help explain the unexpected finding regarding the relationship between student in-class participation and perceived learning and skills development.
Regarding overall perceptions of the flipped classroom model, it is notable that students viewed it positively in terms of both learning and skills development. Specifically, students rated their perceived learning and skills development as 3 out of 4, on average (see Table 3). This finding supports the efficacy of the flipped classroom in business education, as students’ perceptions are positively associated with learning outcomes (Garnjost & Lawter, 2019; Taber, 2019).

7. Practical Implications

The findings from this study underscore the importance of the perceived usefulness of OFC, as it positively correlates with pre-class preparatory work, which in turn enhances students’ perceived learning and skills development in the flipped classroom context. Accordingly, this study suggests five strategies to enhance students’ perceptions of the usefulness of online materials: (1) incorporating adult learning principles into both the design and delivery of online content (Diel et al., 2020); (2) fostering meaningful connections between pre-class online learning and knowledge acquisition through tools such as online tests, discussions, and reflection journals; (3) allocating a portion of the course grade (e.g., 10%) to pre-class work; (4) consistently communicating the benefits of pre-class preparation for knowledge acquisition, course performance, and career development; and (5) fully leveraging technology to create an inclusive learning environment that accommodates diverse learning styles.
As noted earlier, habitual resistance has been identified as a major obstacle to the successful implementation of flipped classroom pedagogy (Boeve et al., 2017; Green & Schlairet, 2017). The findings of this study suggest that many students struggle to adjust their learning habits within the flipped classroom format, which may account for the non-significant relationships observed between the perceived usefulness of IFC and students’ in-class participation, perceived learning, and skills development. Accordingly, instructors may need to implement targeted interventions to cultivate positive learning habits, particularly regarding class attendance (e.g., assessing students’ learning habits followed by one-to-one coaching, or offering formal training seminars on effective learning strategies). The active learning component should also be evaluated for its effectiveness in achieving course objectives. In addition, increasing the weight of in-class participation, explicitly linking active learning activities to exam content, and normalizing student expectations regarding active learning may be necessary to enhance engagement.

8. Limitations and Directions for Future Research

Although this study provides preliminary evidence supporting three anticipated relationships within the framework (i.e., the positive associations between students’ perceived usefulness of OFC and their pre-class preparatory work, perceived learning, and skills development), several limitations should be addressed in future research.
First, the sample size was relatively small (N = 82); therefore, the findings should be interpreted as exploratory. Expanding the study to include larger samples from diverse educational institutions and a broader range of business courses would enhance generalizability. Prashar (2015) found that students in a flipped Introductory Operations Management course within an MBA program reported higher levels of perceived learning and skills development compared to those in conventional classrooms. Thus, it would be valuable to examine larger samples across different program levels (e.g., Master of Business Administration vs. Bachelor of Business Administration), as well as from similar business programs at different universities. Additionally, because the data were collected during a single semester, the results may not fully capture the scope of students’ course-related learning. Future research should consider employing longitudinal designs to examine learning and skills development in flipped classrooms over the duration of students’ business diploma programs.
Second, each of the major variables relied on students’ self-reports, which may have artificially inflated the observed relationships due to common method bias (Podsakoff et al., 2003). Self-reported data can also be influenced by social desirability bias (Chung & Monroe, 2003), halo effects, and the Hawthorne effect (Elledge, 2018). Measuring pre-class preparation and in-class participation using single-item indicators also raises concerns about the reliability and construct validity of these measures. Taken together, these limitations may restrict the generalizability of the study’s findings. Therefore, future research should employ multi-item instruments to more robustly assess both constructs. While the use of objective measures offers an alternative, such measures also present notable limitations. For instance, LMS-generated data cannot reliably distinguish between simply accessing online materials and actively engaging with them (Diel et al., 2020; Lambert et al., 2019). Similarly, objective data on class attendance do not account for students’ level of engagement during class time (Freguia, 2017). Despite these limitations, examining the flipped classroom using both subjective and objective metrics remains important for enhancing the generalizability of findings. Indeed, LMS data have been used to assess students’ pre-class preparation (J. N. Walsh & Rísquez, 2020), while objective measures have also been applied to evaluate class participation (Yamarik, 2019). Furthermore, although not without limitations (e.g., Stehle et al., 2012), test scores and course grades can serve as proxies for student learning and skills development (Fadol et al., 2018). To summarize, the exclusive use of a single self-report indicator for attendance restricts the comprehensive interpretation of the data. Future research should incorporate multi-source or objective measurements (e.g., attendance systems and LMS logs).
Third, although student gender and learning habits were controlled for (Hung, 2015; Yang et al., 2018), other variables may have influenced the findings. For example, business students’ learning outcomes in the flipped classroom may be affected by their learning styles (Calimeris & Sauer, 2015), instructional approach preferences (Hao, 2016), prior subject-matter knowledge (Jovanović et al., 2017), and previous experience with the flipped classroom model (Green & Schlairet, 2017). Future research with larger sample sizes could more effectively incorporate these additional control variables to strengthen the robustness and generalizability of the findings.
Fourth, future research should expand the framework developed in this study by incorporating contextual factors that may influence pre-class preparation and in-class participation. Relevant considerations include the accessibility of online teaching platforms (Borokhovski et al., 2016), class scheduling and physical classroom settings (Calimeris, 2018), and class size (Graham et al., 2017). Furthermore, the instructor represents a crucial element of the learning context. As noted earlier, instructors’ knowledge and experience with the flipped classroom model (Hao & Lee, 2016; Kakosimos, 2015), along with their teaching style (Rose et al., 2016), are likely to shape students’ learning experiences and outcomes.

9. Conclusions

While the findings of this study are exploratory in nature, the framework developed and empirically tested offers an important starting point for understanding the antecedents and impact of students’ pre-class preparation and in-class attendance on the effectiveness of the flipped classroom model. The perceived usefulness of OFC was found to be critical to students’ pre-class preparatory efforts, which, in turn, were positively associated with their perceived learning and skills development within the flipped classroom context. Accordingly, it would be valuable to investigate the extent to which these preliminary findings can be replicated across larger samples and using alternative research methodologies.

Funding

This research was funded by the George Brown College Ignite Fund [2019-2020].

Institutional Review Board Statement

The study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and approved by the Research Ethics Board of George Brown College (REB file number: 6004597) on 25 June 2018.

Informed Consent Statement

Informed consent was obtained from all subjects involved in the study.

Data Availability Statement

Dataset available upon request from the author.

Conflicts of Interest

The author declares no conflict of interest.

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Figure 1. A framework of student pre-class preparation and in-class participation in the flipped classroom.
Figure 1. A framework of student pre-class preparation and in-class participation in the flipped classroom.
Admsci 15 00301 g001
Table 1. Weekly learning subjects and assessments.
Table 1. Weekly learning subjects and assessments.
Weekly Learning SubjectsCourse Assessments
  • Week 1: Organizational Behavior and People Centered Management
  • Week 2: Social Perceptions and Attribution Factors Influencing Individual Behavior
  • Week 3: Self-Concept Personality and Emotions
  • Week 4: Values, Attitudes, Job Satisfaction, And Foundations of Motivation
  • Week 5: Fundamental Concepts of Group Behavior
  • Week 6: Communicating in the Digital Age
  • Week 7: Conflict and Negotiation
  • Week 8: Intersession Week; No Class
  • Week 9: Writing the Second Test
  • Week 10: Power, Politics and Decision Making
  • Week 11: Leadership
  • Week 12: Organizational Culture, Socialization and Mentoring
  • Week 13: Managing Change and Job Stress
  • Week 14: Group Project Presentation
  • Week 15: Writing the Final Exam
  • Test #1 (10% of course grade): Conducted in Week 4; Consisting of multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
  • Reflection journal #1 (5% of course grade): Due in Week 6; Including three sections in terms of reviewing, applying, and reflecting with a minimum of 150 words.
  • Test #2 (20% of course grade): Conducted in Week 9; Consisting of multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
  • Reflection journal #2 (5% of course grade): Due in Week 13; Including three sections in terms of reviewing, applying, and reflecting with a minimum of 150 words.
  • Team research project (20% of course grade): Teams of 4–5 students will research one or two key Organizational Behavior concepts, theories, or approaches (e.g., motivation); Each team will submit an 11– 12 page research report and present findings in class during Week 14.
  • Final exam (20% of course grade): Held in Week 15; Consisting of multiple-choice and short-answer questions.
  • Online participation (10% of course grade): Completing online practice quizzes and contributing to online discussions.
  • In-class participation (10% of course grade): Attending face-to-face sessions and completing in-class quizzes.
Table 2. Principal-component analyses.
Table 2. Principal-component analyses.
Subscale ItemFactor LoadingSubscale ItemFactor Loading
Factor 1Factor 2Factor 1Factor 2
Perceived usefulness of OFC Perceived learning
1. On-line materials increased my interest in the course. 0.820.351. I learn more from the flipped classroom over traditional (lecture-based) classes. 0.390.88
2. On-line materials had a good fit to in-class lectures. 0.840.482. I feel that flipped classroom is a more effective way than the traditional (lecture-based) method to learn OB concepts, theories and principles.0.430.86
3. On-line materials enhanced the effectiveness of in-class lectures. 0.810.383. Flipped classroom greatly enhances my understanding of OB concepts, theories and principles. 0.420.82
4. Watching learning module videos posted on Blackboard greatly enhanced my understanding of course contents. 0.770.424. My learning in the flipped classroom has helped my personal development. 0.430.68
5. Reviewing narrated PowerPoints posted on Blackboard greatly enhanced my understanding of course contents. 0.660.525. I can apply the knowledge acquired in the flipped classroom to my work or other non-class related activities.0.460.59
6. Completing practice quizzes posted on Blackboard prior to coming to class greatly enhanced my understanding of course contents. 0.560.32
Perceived usefulness of IFC Perceived skills development
1. Listening to the instructor reviewing information about selected topics in the mini lectures greatly enhanced my learning of course materials. 0.640.651. Flipped classroom enabled me to apply OB theories to analyze real-world issues and problems0.810.43
2. Grouping up with classmates to discuss questions posed in class greatly enhanced my learning of course materials. 0.510.822. Flipped classroom provided me opportunities to think and behave ethically.0.760.39
3. Working on assignments/exercises in class greatly enhanced my learning of course materials. 0.440.853. Flipped classroom enabled me to analyze the impact of individual and team behaviours on organizational productivity.0.800.44
4. Studying cases in class greatly enhanced my learning of course materials. 0.400.864. Flipped classroom enabled me to synthesize information to make decisions0.800.34
5. Flipped classroom helped me develop the ability to plan and manage my own work.0.830.52
6. Flipped classroom helped me develop the ability to work as a team member.0.630.38
Eigenvalue4.901.22Eigenvalue5.151.50
% variance explained48.9912.24% variance explained46.8413.63
Note: Numbers in boldface indicate high factor loading.
Table 3. Bivariate correlation analyses.
Table 3. Bivariate correlation analyses.
VariablesMeanSD1234567
1. Gender0.480.50
2. Learning habits2.730.74−0.39 **
3. Perceived usefulness of OFC 3.220.570.10
4. Perceived usefulness of IFC3.230.590.04−0.19−0.60 **
5. Pre-class preparation1.511.120.26 *−0.210.26 *0.26 *
6. In-class attendance 2.780.570.28 *−0.29 *−0.050.10−0.07
7. Perceived learning 3.070.670.14−0.160.73 **0.52 **0.31 **0.05
8. Perceived skills development 3.110.740.16−0.170.69 **0.41 **0.34 **−0.140.61 **
0 = Male and 1 = Female. * p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01.
Table 4. Multiple regression analyses (Beta and p-values).
Table 4. Multiple regression analyses (Beta and p-values).
Dependent VariablesPre-Class PreparationIn-Class ParticipationPerceived LearningSkills Development
Model 1Model 2Model 3Model 4Model 5Model 6Model 7
Control variables
  Gender0.28 *0.29 *0.08 *
  Learning Habits −0.16−0.16−0.17−0.17
Model F Value6.29 *7.06 *7.03 *1.551.552.072.07
R20.080.090.080.030.030.030.03
Adjusted R20.070.070.070.010.010.020.02
Independent variables
  Perceived Usefulness of OFC0.24 *
  Perceived Usefulness of IFC 0.09
  Pre-Class Preparation −0.160.31 * 0.26 *
  In-Class Participation 0.02 −0.21
Model F Value5.60 **3.84 *4.60 *3.90 *0.773.50 *2.48
R20.140.090.100.120.030.100.07
Adjusted R20.110.070.080.09−0.010.070.04
* p < 0.05, ** p < 0.01.
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Wang, G. Effects of a Flipped Classroom College Business Course on Students’ Pre-Class Preparation, In-Class Participation, Learning, and Skills Development. Adm. Sci. 2025, 15, 301. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15080301

AMA Style

Wang G. Effects of a Flipped Classroom College Business Course on Students’ Pre-Class Preparation, In-Class Participation, Learning, and Skills Development. Administrative Sciences. 2025; 15(8):301. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15080301

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Wang, Gordon. 2025. "Effects of a Flipped Classroom College Business Course on Students’ Pre-Class Preparation, In-Class Participation, Learning, and Skills Development" Administrative Sciences 15, no. 8: 301. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15080301

APA Style

Wang, G. (2025). Effects of a Flipped Classroom College Business Course on Students’ Pre-Class Preparation, In-Class Participation, Learning, and Skills Development. Administrative Sciences, 15(8), 301. https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15080301

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