An examination of the effects of the flipped learning model implemented in fourth grade of primary school on students' academic achievement, digital literacy, and problem-solving skills

The use of technology in educational settings has been rapidly increasing in recent years, bringing student-centered and individualized teaching approaches to the forefront. In this context, the in-class implementation of contemporary instructional models such as the Flipped Learning Model has been gaining increasing importance. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of the flipped learning model on fourth-grade primary school students' academic achievement, digital literacy levels, and problem-solving skills in the science course. The research was conducted using a quasi-experimental design with a pre-test–post-test control group, which is one of the quantitative research methods. The sample of the study consists of 50 students studying in two different 4th-grade classes of a public primary school located in the city center of Ağrı during the 2024–2025 academic year. Twenty-five of these students formed the experimental group, while the other twenty-five constituted the control group. In the study, the flipped learning model was applied to the experimental group for four weeks and a total of 12 lesson hours, while the same learning outcomes were taught to the control group using the traditional instructional method. Data were collected through the "Academic Achievement Test for the Unit Effects of Force," the "Digital Literacy Scale for Primary School Students," and the "Problem-Solving Inventory for Primary School Children." The data obtained were analyzed using the SPSS 25 software package. The results of the study revealed that the flipped learning model significantly improved students' academic achievement, digital literacy, and problem-solving skills. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that technology-supported instructional models, including the flipped learning model, be implemented at the primary school level.