Lesson Structure

I enjoyed an article in Primary Teacher Update January 2012 edition. Sue Rogers writes about the 'standard' lesson structure. She writes that your lesson structure is going to look something like this:

1. The big picture
• What is the lesson to be about?
• What are the learning objectives?
• How do long-term objectives link with short-term objectives? Put everything in context.
• Make links with prior learning and learning that is to take place in the future.
2. Focus on the day's learning objective
• Discuss.
• Explain.
• Ask question.
• Encourage questioning.
• Assess continuously.
3. Have a whole-class demonstration
• Look at examples.
• Make success criteria clear.
• Model the process(es).
• Ensure any support staff are utilised fully. Involve them in the demonstrations.
4. Independent session to practise skill(s)
• Make expectations clear in terms of time, amount and quality. What are you looking for?
• Scaffold/guide a focus group.
• At intervals move round and check on the progress of the others.
• Show learners how to scaffold/guide each other.
• Continue to mediate, ensure understanding of the task, assess and get learners to self-evaluate and assess each other.
• Use mini-plenaries or feedback sessions for the whole class where you notice common misconceptions or strengths.
5. Plenary where learners discuss learning
• Help pupils by bridging - connecting - the learning with the next lesson.
• Did they meet the success criteria?
• What have they achieved?
• How successful were the independent groups?
• Where can their new skills be consolidated and applied?
• What do they need to do next?
• Is there any aspect that needs more practice?
• What support do they need?

The article is interesting and is worth a read.