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Writing Effective Lesson Plans
Writing lesson plans can be a daunting task for even the most prepared teacher. Let’s face it, lesson plan writing for practicum experiences or teacher training programmes is vastly different from writing lessons for the “real world.” Just as an architect wouldn’t begin a new building project without the blueprints, a teacher needs a solid lesson plan in order to be successful in the classroom.
What makes a solid and effective lesson plan?
There are certain elements that must be included in every lesson plan; however, these elements alone do not make a lesson plan effective. A lesson plan can contain all the required information, like the objective(s), the lesson procedures and the assessment/plenary, but, at the end of the lesson, how much learning will have actually taken place?A quality lesson plan takes thought and preparation. There are numerous shortcuts out there, such as online lesson plans, but you should modify and adapt these to meet the particular needs of your students and your individual style of teaching, in order to make them most effective.
Lesson Plan Writing: The Process
In English Language Arts, a common term used to describe the process of writing a good story or essay is the “sandwich method.” This method breaks writing down into easy-to-understand components. Lesson plan writing can be thought of in much of the same way, in that we have an introduction, middle details and then the conclusion.A general lesson plan structure should be as follows
Introduction
Learning objectives
- Clearly defined- Measurable
- Use tools like Bloom’s Taxonomy
· Curriculum objectives
· Starter activity to assess prior knowledgeLesson body/procedures
· Teacher-facilitated lesson- Present the material
- Demonstrate desired outcome
· Guided practice
· Group activity
· Closure
· Individual practice
Assessment/plenary
· Review what was learned against the objectives identified at the start of the lesson
· Extension/follow-up activity
Putting the Parts Together
The process outlined above describes the written lesson plan and does not detail how to effectively deliver the lesson. To help with this, there are a few points to keep in mind.Point 1: Make real-world and cross-curricular connections to help students tap into prior knowledge and experiences, thus making learning easier and more relevant to the wider context.
Point 2: Integrate technology when possible. Using technology in the classroom is not only a great classroom management tool, but it also allows teachers to reach students with many different learning styles all in one tool. From interactive lessons to independent practice, this is how the current generation learns, and teachers must take advantage
Point 3: Differentiate instruction in order to accommodate all learners and learning styles. Educators must be able to adjust lessons and activities to meet the needs of all learners in the classroom, from those with special educational needs (SEN) to high-achieving students, and every learner in between.
Point 4: Check for learning frequently. Whether using a simple oral question–answer session or learner response devices (ActiVote or ActivExpression), the most effective teachers check for understanding often. Doing this allows for early intervention and review or acceleration of a concept.
Point 5: Use the resources available in the classroom or school. When preparing a lesson, talk with a teaching assistant, librarian or technology teacher about what the lesson covers and gain feedback on who can help, and how to create an effective lesson or activity.
Final Thoughts on Lesson Plans
Every teacher knows that writing a lesson plan can be time-consuming, challenging and sometimes downright frustrating; however, it is a necessary part to being an effective educator. Lesson planning can make or break how and what students learn, so being armed with an effective plan is key. Remember to revisit previously taught lesson plans and make any modifications necessary to improve the lesson. A well-designed, well-thought-out plan will allow focus to be placed on teaching and interacting with your students, thus making learning possible.
