A great lesson is like a gourmet meal. There are many ingredients that combine to create a wonderful flavor. In order to achieve this masterpiece, however, the chef must be well-prepared. It takes planning and organization before, during, and after the prep work is done. The work may be time-consuming, but the end result is certainly something to savor.
The same can be true of a great lesson. Will you season today's lesson with a lecture, some cooperative learning, or perhaps an open-ended discussion? A teacher, like the gourmet chef, must ask him or herself a number of questions before, during, and after the lesson in order to evaluate and ultimately choose the best teaching strategy for each teaching situation. Below are a number of steps to follow in order to achieve this goal.
Questions to ask before your lesson (during planning):
- Consider your objective. What is your goal in teaching your students this lesson? If you want them to get a straight shot of information easily and quickly, then a lecture may serve your purpose well. If you want them to have a deeper mastery of a skill, something more interactive would be better.
- Consider your audience. Would a lecture be appropriate for a roomful of seven-year-olds? Probably not. Perhaps a hands-on, guided practice would better meet the needs of your audience. Think about who you are teaching and choose a strategy that is appropriate for them.
- Consider your materials and time. Do you have an overhead projector? Do you have a computer lab? In a nutshell, do you have the materials necessary to use your chosen strategy? Another consideration is the time. Choose a strategy that allows you to achieve your goal within your given time....
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Author: Lisa Goehler