The lesson plan is the road map that helps you transfer from Point A to Point B.
The first point means no or little knowledge of something and the second point means learning the required knowledge, that’s reaching the lesson objectives.
But sometimes things can go wrong and teachers can find themselves in trouble. The following are six common lesson-planning mistakes that can cause this situation.
1. Planning before learning about the lesson content & the target students
Certainly, you have a lesson and target students to teach. You should recognize what and who you will teach. Get to know the content of the lesson and its learning objectives. Additionally, recognize the students’ background, interests, learning levels and expectations.
Planning for a lesson must begin after having enough information about who you will work with and what you will work on.
2. Not setting SMART learning objectives
After finishing a lesson, you must have a clear idea about what you want your students to achieve. Once you set SMART objectives, everything else will fall into place, including the activities you will choose to reach these objectives.
SMART objectives are those which are specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timed.
3. Having no certain steps to follow
A successful lesson plan must include certain steps that you will follow to step closer to achieving the lesson objectives. It’s not good enough to create a lesson without a solid structure. For a great example of what the main components of a lesson plan should be, check out this article.
4. Not considering various tasks and activities
Variety is key for a successful lesson plan. Make sure to include different and various tasks and activities for your students to do in your lesson plan: singing songs, watching videos, playing music, doing crafts, playing games, working in groups and pairs …. etc but make sure that these activities and tasks serve the learning objectives you want your students to achieve.
5. Using the same lesson plan as the last year
Even if the lesson is the same as last year’s, your students are not. The lesson plan you used in the previous year can not be the best for them.
Moreover, consider that you may need to add, replace or change things. Every year we have new things to work on so even if you see the previous lesson plan is perfect, you need to adapt it to suit the new year and the new group of students.
6. Planning not helpful teaching aids
Teaching aids you plan to use must be planned to use only if they help you reach the learning objectives of the lesson as quickly as possible. For example, say that one of the learning objectives is for students to use the vocabulary of food and drink. In this case, it’s better to use real objects than virtual ones.
Planning a lesson is like driving a car
As you are in the seat of the driver on the road, you must be well aware of:
- Who your passengers (students) are.
- Where you are taking them.
- How you will reach your destination.
You can simply drive them well there or you and they will get lost.
Thanks for reading
Here are 3 Alternatives to Develop Your TEFL Skills
- Taking a TEFL course.
- Being aware of & develop TEFL essential skills.
- Mastering teaching the four English language skills.
