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Components of a Lesson Plan: Rationales for 5 Selected Components

Planning

I believe that planning is essential to designing quality instruction. It has been my experience that when I create a well thought out lesson plan, class tends to run more smoothly and I am able to cover the important points within the allotted time. The SABES/ACL lesson planning guide covers a variety of the advantages from creating a lesson plan (2008). Three of which I think will especially help me in my practice, first a lesson plan (LP) helps deepen the instructors understanding of the material being covered, second, LP’s provide a record of what was covered in the lesson and third, LP’s can be shared, re-used, re-structured and become better defined as time goes by.

http://www.crlt.umich.edu/gsis/p2_5

Creating a Positive Learning Environment

Creating a positive learning environment is ideal as I believethat environment affects learning. In a safe and positive environment students are more responsive and learning strategies are more effective. I aim to cultivate a liberal and encouraging environment while still maintaining order to promote a sense of safety. I nurture trust by assuring the students that as long as they are honest and forthcoming, there is virtually nothing that cannot be dealt with. In the classroom I discourage negative comments while encouraging active listening, respectful discussion and collaborative problem solving.

http://www.cmy.net.au/Assets/447/1/Participant_Chapter_6.pdf

Instructional Process/Strategies

I believe instructional strategies and processes are essential resources; how the material is presented is as important as the information itself. I have found that using a variety of instructional strategies keeps the students engaged while addressing an assortment of learning styles. The SABES/ACL lesson planning guide covers a variety of instructional strategies from brainstorming, small group work, modeling and role playing, to setting up learning stations (2008). I plan to continue to use successful strategies while looking for new and exciting strategies, in the hope of providing students with a stimulating and valuable learning experience.

http://olc.spsd.sk.ca/DE/PD/instr/categ.html

Media

Media covers everything from slide shows, videos, props and demonstration equipment to handouts. As an instructor I need to know what type of media I have access to, so that I can plan accordingly. Consideration for student access is also important, if a student cannot access a computer then having the class material only available in that format would be unreasonable. If I am well prepared, with all of the media related tools and resources needed, then I can use class time more wisely than if I had not prepared.

http://zvavanhuchopper.blogspot.ca/2010/10/blog-post_17.html

Assessment

Assessment can be seen in two ways, the first being what tools and measures you will use to assess students’ learning and the second being the assessment of the class/instruction itself. In the case of student assessment a detailed overview of the assessment process and marking criteria provide the student with a clear understanding of what they are expected to achieve and how this will be measured. The success of the lesson and of the instruction is inherently related to the success of the student. Students will be provided a detailed explanation of the assessment process and invited to provide feedback on the instructional approach.

http://www.see-educoop.net/education_in/pdf/eur_strat_nurs_top1-8-07-oth-enl-t06.pdf

References

System for Adult Basic Education Support (2008). Lesson Planning Resource Guide. Retrieved from http://sabes.org/curriculum/lesson-planning-guide-2008.pdf

SABES Lesson Planning Guide

Online Resources

Link to S-BAR Lesson Plan I Constructed for Nursing Students

SBAR Communication Lesson Plan

Links to Other Lesson Plan Templates