ELEMENTS OF LESSON DESIGN

The following elements  of  lesson design are applicable to any model of teaching whether  deductive (direct instruction model) or inductive (concept attainment model). Simply knowing these elements when planning for instruction will not ensure that the lesson is  implemented with artistry. On the other hand your artistic knack with kids is not always a reliable factor.  Both the science and the art of teaching are essential!  Deliberate consideration of these elements  should provide you with a structure for reflection when planning instruction and if implemented artistically should increase the probability of student learning.
 
 
Questions to Consider when Planning Instruction
Instructional Objective:  What is it that you want the learner to be able to do or know by the end of the lesson? What is the rationale for selecting this objective?  For students with IEP's: Does this objective relate to the IEP goals? 

Task Analysis: What are the prerequisite or composite skills or concepts needed in order for the student to be able to achieve the desired instructional outcome? At what level of difficulty will you modify instruction to meet all learners' needs? 

Instructional Aides: What materials, supplies, equipment, etc. will you need or use to enhance instruction and/or appeal to a variety of  learning styles? (visual, auditory, tactile, etc.) 

Classroom Management: What will you need to think through in order to have a smooth flow of instruction with minimal disruption? (seating arrangement, transitions, student special needs, rules, time, etc.)  If you are team teaching - What is everyone's responsibility for lesson implementation?  Can you interrupt each other or not, etc.?

 
Instructional Input:  What critical and essential information will the students need to know and how will you present or organize instruction so that students gain this information? 

Modeling: Will students need to see a product or process in order to achieve the instructional objective? 

Check for Understanding: 
During the lesson
*  How will you determine whether students understand the information/task/skill before engaging them in further instruction or practice? (ongoing diagnosis and assessment) 

Guided Practice:  What activities will the student do with your presence to practice or work toward the desired learning outcome?  What will you do to mentor or monitor while students practice? 

Closure:  How will you end the lesson?  Review, reprocess, and debrief.

 

Checking for Understanding/Final Assessment: 
After instruction: 
* How will you determine whether the desired learning outcomes (instructional objectives) have been achieved? 

Independent Practice: Once students can perform without major errors, discomfort or confusion, what assignments will you give for students to practice "on their own" to maintain what has been learned? 


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Please contact Dorothy McKnight, Placement Coordinator, for questions or comments about this site.

Last updated on November 25, 2002