2. Elements of Effective Lesson
Design
ïOne of the most important elements in effective
lesson design is writing good learning objectives.
ïAn effective lesson design is well organized.
ïThe designed plan connects to the lives of the
students.
ï The desired outcomes of the lesson should be
clear to everyone involved.
ïEffective lesson design involves careful
integration of goals, objectives and assessments.
3. Learning Objectives
ï A well written learning objective should describe a
learning outcome (where do you want to the
student to go)
ï The learning objective should determine acceptable
evidence of mastery (Am I there?).
ï The learning objective should help plan learning
experiences and teaching.
4. Sample Learning Objective
ïLearning Objective 4th
Grade ELA: Students
demonstrate understanding of a text or texts by
working together to identify and ask significant
questions to clarify various points of view.
The learning objective above pulls together the
needed elements for an effective learning
objective. Students are made aware of what they
are to do or know after the lesson.
5. Common Pitfalls
ïBusy Work: "hands-
on without being minds-
on." (Newman, 2013).
ïCramming: Teachers focus on
covering the entire textbook without a
clear purpose (Newman, 2013).
6. Common Mistakes
Dr. Bob Kizlik gives us five common mistakes
in writing lesson plans.
ï The objective of the lesson does not specify what the student will
actually do that can be observed.
ï The lesson assessment is disconnected from the behavior indicated in
the objective.
ï The materials specified in the lesson are extraneous to the actual
described learning activities
ï The instruction in which the teacher will engage is not efficient for the
level of intended student learning.
ï The student activities described in the lesson plan do not contribute in a
direct and effective way to the lesson objective.
www.ydae.purdue.edu/.../FiveCommonMistakesinWritingLessonPlans.do..
7. Avoiding the Pitfalls
Teachers need to design a rich learning
environment by:
âąUnderstanding where they need to go,
âąUnderstanding what they need to learn,
and finally,
âąWorking backwards in planning applicable
activities.
8. What Is the Common Core?
âThe Common Core State Standards provide a
consistent, clear understanding of what students are
expected to learn so teachers and parents know what
they need to do to help them. The standards are
designed to be robust and relevant to the real world,
reflecting the knowledge and skills that our young
people need for success in college and careers. With
American students fully prepared for the future, our
communities will be best positioned to compete
successfully in the global economy" (Common Core
State Standards).
13. Backwards Design Activity:
Step 1âDesired Results: students will
understand that:
ïReading a wide range of print and non-print materials
from a variety of sources (internet, web quests, I-
Pads) builds an understanding of texts, of themselves,
and of different cultures.
ïDifferent purposes to read include: reading to acquire
new information and reading for personal fulfillment.
The use of a variety of comprehension strategies
greatly enhances understanding of text.
14. Backwards Design Activity:
Step 1âDesired Results:
Essential Questions
ïWhat do good readers do every time they read?
ïHow and why do good readers use prior knowledge?
ïHow and why do good readers ask questions about
the text while reading?
ïHow and why do good readers learn ways to ask
themselves good questions?
16. Backwards Design Activity:
Step 3âLearning Plan
ïTake class to school library.
ïHave students pick a book to read from the library.
ïAfter students have returned to class have them talk
to their neighbor about the reason they picked that
particular book.
ïAsk students to share with entire group what the
outcome of their story is based on the cover art.