title: Learning at large conferences: from the 'sage on the stage' to contemporary models of learning.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To explore and evaluate the affordances of a flipped classroom model applied to a research paper session within the professional development opportunity of a large conference setting.
  
  
  METHODS
  Authors were invited to present their research papers in a flipped classroom presentation format at two large, multi-national conferences. Before the session, authors and moderators met online to clarify features of the session, and preparation of the material. The research material was then posted online before the conference, to allow access by meeting attendees. During the sessions, moderators encouraged the audience to actively participate. An evaluation form was collected from the audience at the end of each session.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Participants found the session valuable, and appreciated the opportunity to engage in a meaningful dialogue with colleagues. However, the majority of the audience did not access the materials in advance. Lack of time, or technology-related issues were mentioned as potential challenges to such format.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In the context of a large conference, a 'flipped session' format can facilitate active learning and a participatory culture of inquiry. However, to change the nature of how individuals learn collaboratively at large conferences means a change in the culture of continuous professional learning.
authors.affiliation: Graduate Program in Health Profession Education, Uniformed Services University Of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA. Dario.torre@usuhs.edu.
authors.forename: Dario
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Torre
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Medical Education Institute, University of Dundee, Dundee, UK.
authors.forename: Annalisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Manca
authors.affiliation: Graduate Program in Health Profession Education, Uniformed Services University Of Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD, USA.
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Durning
authors.affiliation: Centre for Medical Education, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
authors.forename: Janusz
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Janczukowicz
authors.affiliation: School of Medicine, Institute of Learning and Teaching, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK.
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Taylor
authors.affiliation: Institute of Education for Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cleland
keywords: Conference; Flipped classroom; Innovation