How to Structure a Lesson from Beginning to End

An Organizational Lesson Plan Checklist

Jun 16, 2008 Dorit Sasson

Structuring a lesson from beginning to end establishes a routine for students. Students will automatically become more focused on learning when they know what to expect.

When students listen to you speak, do they know what to expect from you throughout the lesson? By the end of the lesson, have students done the task effectively? Do they know what assignments are due and when? If not, you need to know how to organize and present your lesson plan information so students know exactly what you want.

Learning Goals

Effective teaching begins with stating goals and/or major objectives at the beginning of the lesson. These goals can be lesson goals (example – how to use a dictionary) as well as mid-year goals (example – how to prepare for a test). You can keep a running list and check off as each goal is accomplished. Students like a feeling of accomplishment.

Accountability Procedures

Accountability is a big part of effective instruction. Students should be told what they will be accountable for knowing or doing. This includes classwork, homework, any upcoming assessment or project. Emphasize major ideas as they are presented; students should be instructed on how to relate these major ideas to other areas of the curriculum.

Lesson Plan Information

• Write the lesson plan for students on the board. Make sure they know what activity comes first, second, third. Write the number of minutes for each activity so they also know how much time will be spent.
• Present information systematically. Don't skip important points or backtrack.
• Stick to the topic. Avoid extraneous informtaion, comments, or trivia in the lesson.
• Summarize previous points. Don't move from one topic to another without warning.
• Break complex content into manageable portions or steps. Avoid presenting too much complex information at once or giving directions too quickly.
• Give step-by-step directions.
• Check for understanding before proceeding.
• Maintain an effective pace in early activities so that enough time remains for later ones.

Steps to Ensure Communication

There are certain steps you can do to ensure your learners understand you during the lesson.

• Avoid vagueness and check for understanding.
• Ask questions and get proof of students’ work so you are sure students are ready to move on.
• Ensure that students have adequate practice so that the critical objectives have entered into their long term information.
• Review assignments and make sure all the lesson plan skills and concepts are reinforced.
• Finally, check work regularly and reexplain concepts and reteach when needed.

Effective teaching is built around a structured and organized lesson lesson plan. Learning goals and accountability procedures establish a routine for learning and students know exactly what to expect all of the time.

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Effective Instruction Should Be Your First Goal