Lesson Plans
Some of the instructors I worked with don't do lesson plans. I didn't understand at first on why to do them because I never taught before. When I got my first class then I realized why lesson plans need to be done. Being prepared is very very important.
Karen,
I think this is a good way to bring about instructional improvement. Collectively we learn, share and grow in our knowledge base of how best to communicate our content. This is a valuable resource that you are taking advantage of and contributing to and this produces good results for everyone.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
The instructors in my program discuss lesson plans as a group to share ideas or offer suggestions when something is weak. We can share successes and failures and support each other with new ideas.
Anthony,
There really isn't standard for lesson plans. The standard is really set by your school You need to know what they want from you. On the delivery side of teaching you do need a Plan A and a Plan B. Plan A is the ideal and in most cases does not work because of various disruptions that throw the lesson off. This is why I have a Plan B with a choice of directions I can go with the lesson. I start off with Plan A Lesson Plan and take it as far as I can go. If something comes up then I reach into my Plan B toolkit and pull out an activity, case study, small group discussion, etc. to keep the course moving forward and accommodate the schedule change.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
When unable to complete the lesson because of unexpected circumstances, do you change the plan for that day -- it throws off the rest of the entire lesson plan, so does it have to be re-done? It almost seems like we need to keep two lesson plans, a Master, best-case scenario, and an actual on-going plan.
We turn in a weekly lesson plan with our syllabi, but I've also taught where we were required to turn in a daily plan complete with topic and textbook pages. What is the standard and how closely does it have to be adhered to?
Ruby,
Lesson plans are the road maps (GPS) for the course. They help to keep us focused on the outcomes and where we are going to end up at the end of the course.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
I agree, lesson plan plays an important part in order to be organized, it shows in detail where you are going and how you will get there.
Peter,
This is a common finding for many teachers. Lesson plans have a valuable place in the planning process but there needs to be flexibility for the reasons you state. Things happen that require adjustments in order to keep the course moving forward. We need to have the skills necessary to make these changes and still deliver our content.
Gary
Gary Meers, Ed.D.
Lesson plans certainly focus the instructor and, in turn, the class. I find that specific lesson plans can be written well up to about three days in advance. My school district requires lesson plans be handed in for a six day cycle. I find that days 5 and 6 of the cycle become too general because I am truly not sure of exactly what will be covered and in what manner because of assemblies, snow cancellations and delays, as well as lessons taking longer to master.
Lesson plan should be approved by your administration also
Charles,
Right you are about the need for planning and organization. This way the value of your 30 years of experience will be able to be shared in a way that is valued by the students.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
Tammie,
You make a very important point that all instructors need to consider. Lesson plans give you structure and order and helps students see the outcomes that are expected.
Gary
Dr. Gary Meers
30 years in the field and now an instructor. I thought I could wing it as a go. The students can scene that and then try to lead me. I and learning that a well thought out written lesson plans is very important.
