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Lesson planning is putting time and dedication outside a classroom setting and can be reflected back on the teacher’s potential. If not planned well, major repercussions can develop. It sets the foundation of a proper learning environment tailored to the diverse backgrounds, culture and English levels of the students. Not only is it important to plan in advance, but also create a powerful plan that can inspire, fully engage the audience. Some of the challenges include meeting objectives, timing, or finding the right materials. There are different techniques how this can be achieved; however, flexibility in lesson execution can be equally as important. Lesson planning serves three primary functions. It aids on your planning by stating expectations/logical thinking, it is a working document that can be referred to during the lesson to keep eyes on the target, and it is a record of what was done in class. A teacher can have their own personalized plan as there is really no “right way” to do so. Some important suggestions given in Unit 9 is to be consistent and to keep it simple. In “Powerful Lesson Planning: Every Teacher’s Guide to Effective Instruction” it is said, that “Unless basic instructional design is understood and practiced, there can be little understanding of how to plan more complex instructional designs” (Danielson & Skowron, 2015, p. 11). Allotting the anticipated time to each activity can keep check of time. However, flexibility is very important. Lesson plans are not meant to be followed concretely. Organization before class is to be expected. Knowing how to use the technological equipment, having a clear board, making sure seats are arranged correctly, all props and materials are available, and the list goes on. A lesson plan typically has learner objectives, personal aims and forecast of anticipated problems. Procedure, phase, timing, and interaction have their own column. You can specify if an activity is for either Engage, Study or Activate phase. On top of “recording” a class, monitoring lessons for a teacher’s development is really helpful. Teachers can write down areas that went well or that need improvement. A self-evaluation form template can be downloaded to write down objectives that were met, accuracy of anticipated issues, modifications met, effectiveness of each phase, strengths and weaknesses, and areas of improvement. Recording and documenting can continue to serve their purpose for future lessons. Planning for the first lesson can be a nerve-racking experience. Not only is motivating important, but also it is a preface for the rest of the course and lesson planning. This opportunity can be effectively used to get to know the students by asking questions or doing surveys. If it’s for English learners in a business setting, a needs analysis can be extremely helpful as students may have different objectives or may be at different English levels. After getting new data, future lessons can be planned more effectively. It is formulating an evolutionary approach as documenting can benefit both parties. Ultimately, being flexible and relying on different resources minimizes having confusion or reluctant students. A great teacher plans and anticipates ahead. References Skowron, J. (2015). Powerful lesson planning: Every teacher's guide to effective instruction. Retrieved from https://ebookcentral-proquest-com.ezproxy.snhu.edu
