Experienced teachers know that their task is to promote learning. Naturally, beginning teachers are more concerned about the quality of their teaching.
In writing a lesson plan, you are answering: “How do I help these students move from where they are now to where they ought to be?” The focus is on learning.
* Visualise the outcomes of your lesson clearly - then express them as an introduction for students: “By the end of this lesson, we will be able to I” Select the verbs precisely - they represent the skills you want students to develop: “read”, “name”, “prioritise”.
* Note the assumptions you make about students’ pre-existing knowledge as these are your starting point.
* Outline new concepts, words, skills - so that you have a checklist of success criteria.
Now that you are clear about what you want students to learn, tell them what you and they will do - the instructional and learning activities. This will also prompt you to decide what materials are needed and alert you to other issues such as Health and Safety.
* Build in checks that show whether your students have understood and can apply their new knowledge. Above all, be flexible - you’re writing a guide, not a straitjacket.
Harry Dodds
