Guided Reading Questions as a Scaffolding Technique in a Flipped Graduate Metabolism Class

This qualitative study evaluated the use of guided reading questions (GRQ) as a scaffolding technique in a flipped classroom among graduate dietetic interns to assess how their experience with a flipped classroom differed compared to previous cohorts without GRQ. Graduate Dietetic Interns (n=10) enrolled in a flipped graduate-level metabolism course completed 8 learning reflections. GRQ were provided for students to use when reading the textbook for the first 7 weeks of the semester. Content analysis was applied to the learning reflections to discover themes. Member checks were used to confirm themes. These findings were compared to themes of 2 previous cohorts that did not have GRQ. Students viewed the GRQ as instructor support and appreciated the GRQ at the beginning of the semester, but understood why they not receive them for the entirety of the semester. Students reported that the GRQ helped them develop reading comprehension and notetaking skills. Compared to previous cohorts, this cohort of students seemed to accept and trust in the flipped learning process at the beginning of the semester. They also took responsibility for their own learning early on and continue to progress through the Staged Self-Directed Learning Model. Additionally, compared to previous cohorts, this cohort felt that it was okay to ask questions and be wrong and they were not afraid or intimidated by the learning process. Providing students GRQ or other supports for learning from complex textbooks in a flipped class, especially at the beginning of the semester, may help students gain skills in learning on their own and reading comprehension, which will encourage students to advance in the Stages of Self-Directed Learning Model.