Lesson planning is an important part of being a teacher. While experienced teachers may appear to not require a plan it is only because they have probably taught a lesson so many times that the majority of their plan is in their head. They will still have a good idea of how they want and expect the lesson to proceed. Inexperienced teachers will need the structure a good lesson plan provides. A good plan acts as a guide to your planning.
It helps a teacher consider the direction of the lesson and possible pitfalls and diversions. It also helps a teacher keep on track during the lesson but should not be so restrictive that it prevents flexibility in class. A lesson plan also serves as a record of what you have taught before enabling you to easily see what to review at later dates and to see what worked and did not work with a particular lesson. Each lesson you teach should follow a certain process that involves preparation, teaching, and reflection. This lesson planning process enables you to plan effective lessons and develop your understanding of your students and which activities, exercises, strategies etc. work well and which do not. When planning your lesson it is important to consider the following points. A lesson plan should be kept simple; a quick glance during the lesson should be able to tell you all you need to know. A lesson plan is not a script of what you intend to happen rather it should be a series of sign posts. Your plan should have structure and you should keep to that structure. You should try to determine the expected time for each activity and prepare extra materials in case some activities are quicker than expected. Your lessons should have logical pattern and activities should be connected. It is essential to give your lessons variety in order to retain students’ interest. Lastly, you should be prepared for the unexpected, don’t stick too rigidly to the plan; if an interesting and relevant diversion comes up don’t be afraid to follow it.
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