SECTION A
NAME: CEDRIC T ZVINAVASHE
COURSE: TECHNICAL & VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
APPLIED EDUCATION
INTAKE: FEBRUARY 2024
LECTURER: MR NYIKA
DUE DATE: 23 FEBRUARY 2024
QUESTION:
Discuss the importance of the following components of a lesson plan:
1. Introduction
2. Lesson Objectives
3. Teaching And Learning Media
4. Students Activities
5. Lesson Evaluation
SECTION B
LECTURER’S
MARK................DATE.....................................SIGNATURE………………………………
……………………..
COMMENTS..............................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
......................................................................................................................................................
..........................................................
SECTION C
MODERATOR’S
MARK........................DATE...........................SIGNATURE…………………………………
…………………
Answer
A lesson plan acts as a roadmap for teachers to lead a lesson effectively. It consists of key
elements such as an introduction, learning goals, instructional materials, student tasks, and
assessment criteria. It is essential for every teacher to develop a lesson plan as it serves as a
blueprint for daily instruction. Planning lessons is crucial as it provides teachers with a clear
outline of the topics they intend to cover each day. Lesson and plan are the two key terms to
be defined before diving into the rest of the essay.
According to teachmint.com (2024) a lesson is when the teacher in the classroom spends time
teaching the students about a specific subject or topic. The lesson may consist of a general
discussion of the subject or it may be included in the study materials. Although most lessons
are taught in classrooms, they can be made more engaging by holding them in a learning
environment. A plan is defined a set of decisions about how to do something in the future
(Cambridge dictionary, 2024). In other words a plan is a written document that outlines a
thorough strategy and program developed beforehand to accomplish a goal
“A person cannot teach what he or she does not know,” declared Danielson (2007, p. 44).
Studies have indicated that the success of students is closely linked to the preparation and
planning done by their teachers. Lesson planning includes but is not limited to selecting
content, organizing content, selecting assessments, and determining pedagogy (Danielson,
2007, p. 45; Popham, 2011). Having a well-developed plan allows teachers to concentrate on
effectively delivering the lesson. This eliminates the need for teachers to constantly
contemplate their next steps, which in turn enables them to give attention to other aspects of
the teaching process. Effective lesson planning is crucial as it enables teachers to ensure that
daily classroom activities contribute to students making steady progress towards their overall
academic goals, as well as meeting any individual educational requirements they may have.
According to the Oxford Dictionary (2000), an introduction signifies the initiation of
something into use or existence for the very first time. In the context of a lesson or lecture, an
introduction serves the purpose of unveiling the subject matter to be studied. Introducing a
lesson or lecture is a crucial aspect of lesson planning. It serves as a bridge that guides
students from their previous thoughts or experiences into the topic being taught.
Introductions play a very important role in setting the tone for a lesson and shaping the
overall atmosphere of the day. Kauchak and Eggen (1998) suggest that a successful
introduction in a lesson is key to engaging students and encouraging their participation
throughout. A well-crafted introduction can leave a lasting impact on learners, whether it
highlights the relevance of the topic to their daily lives or simply brings a sense of humour to
the classroom. Essentially, an introduction serves as a roadmap for the lesson ahead, outlining
the key ideas to be covered and guiding the teacher's approach for the day. It provides a
glimpse into what to expect and how the lesson will unfold.
They emphasize that an introduction should review previous lesson material, activate existing
knowledge, and prepare students for new information, ultimately drawing their focus to the
topic at hand. Resnick and Klopfer (cited in Kauchak and Eggen, 1998) argue that individuals
do not simply absorb information like recorders, but instead actively construct knowledge.
They emphasize that truly knowing something involves interpreting and connecting it to
existing knowledge. Therefore, introducing new information by referencing what students
already know can serve as a foundation for further learning.
According to Moore (1997), learning is the improvement in a student's abilities due to their
experiences. The specific improvements should be outlined in instructional objectives, which
are clear descriptions of what students are expected to achieve from a lesson, rather than just
what will be covered in the content. A crucial component of students' successful learning is
having clear expectations about what is expected of them (Ramsden, 2003). It is crucial to
keep these objectives in mind as they should guide all classroom activities.
Learning objectives should be brief, clear, specific statements of what learners will be able to
do at the end of a lesson as a result of the activities, teaching and learning that has taken
place. They are sometimes called learning outcomes. According to Robert Mager (1984), a
goal is a collection of words and/or pictures and diagrams intended to let others know what
you intend for your students to achieve. An aim outlines the abilities, information, and
attitudes that the instructor hopes to instil in students rather than what the instructor will be
doing. The Learning objective or objectives that you use can be based on three areas of
learning: knowledge, skills and attitudes. Learning objectives define learning outcomes and
focus teaching.
Setting lesson objectives can create a mutual sense of accountability and responsibility
between teachers and students. According to Brown (2007), mutual accountability is a
cooperative system based on shared values and visions and in relationships of mutual trust
and influence. When clear expectations are established in the beginning, teachers can ensure
that students know what is required of them and can be held accountable for their progress.
Similarly, teachers are responsible for ensuring that the objectives are achieved through
effective teaching and support. This shared responsibility fosters a stronger relationships with
teachers (Cook-Sather, 2006; Kane et al., 2006; Mullis, 2011; Rudduck & McIntyre, 2007),
increased ownership over and reflection on their own learning (Cook-Sather, 2002; Morgan,
2009; Rudduck & McIntyre, 2007), and greater engagement in school (Cook-Sather, 2002;
Pedder & McIntyre, 2006; Seiler, 2011).
Moreover, by setting clear lesson objectives, teachers are able to shape their assessment and
evaluation methods. These objectives serve as a roadmap for designing assessments that
determine whether students have met the intended goals. This approach not only aids in
tracking student development but also offers insights that can be used to enhance upcoming
lessons and teaching techniques. When assessments are in harmony with the objectives,
teachers can guarantee that student learning is both significant and intentional.
The importance of lesson objectives in lesson planning cannot be understated. They help to
provide direction, guide assessment, ensure accountability, and encourage reflection and
growth. Setting clear goals and outcomes allows teachers to create lessons that are purposeful
and effective in advancing student learning. Lesson objectives are at the core of successful
teaching and learning.
Tools or resources used to support teaching and learning are called teaching and learning
media. According Musfiqon (2012) the term "learning media" refers to any physical or virtual
instrument that educators employ to help students learn content more effectively and
efficiently. In order to both encourage students to learn more and ensure that the learning
materials are accepted by students intact more quickly. These may include interactive
technology, digital materials, hands-on exercises and visual aids. Choosing the right media
is critical because it can support different learning styles, improve understanding, and
increase student engagement. Teachers can create a dynamic and interactive learning
environment that engages many students and improves understanding by
incorporating various tools into their lessons.
Media is essential in education in the modern era, as it has revolutionized how information is
delivered, resulting in more dynamic and successful lessons. When learning media is used
effectively in the process of learning, it can help achieve learning objectives more quickly
and effectively. Furthermore, the use of instructional media will boost students' motivation to
learn. This is consistent with the claims made by Sanaky (2009) that the advantages of
instructional media include: (a) making the learning process more engaging, which can
inspire students to learn; (b) making learning materials clearer so that students can grasp the
material and meet learning objectives; and (c) making the learning process more varied.
Media is an essential tool in lesson planning as it can assist in making intricate concepts
easier to grasp as asserted by Sanaky (2009). Utilizing visual aids like videos, images, and
info graphics can simplify abstract ideas and enhance students' understanding. This can result
in improved retention of information and comprehension of the material being taught. For
instance, a lesson in English literature can be better understood by presenting a film of the
book under study.
In today's fast-paced world, students are bombarded with information from different sources,
making it difficult for teachers to keep them engaged in traditional lectures. However, by
using media tools like animations, interactive simulations, and multimedia presentations,
teachers can capture students' attention and maintain their interest throughout the lesson. This
creates a dynamic and stimulating learning environment, helping students stay focused and
motivated to participate actively. The above claims are further asserted by Heafner (2004)
when he advocates for use of technology in learning to motivate students by engaging
students in the learning process with the use of a familiar instructional tool that improves
students’ self-efficacy and self-worth”.
Different learning styles and preferences can be accommodated by utilizing various types of
media in educational settings. Visual learners may find images and videos helpful, while
auditory learners may prefer audio recordings or podcasts. By incorporating a range of media
resources into lesson plans, educators can cater to the diverse needs of students and ensure
that all individuals can engage with the material in a way that aligns with their preferred
learning style. This inclusive approach to teaching can enhance equity and accessibility in
education, leading to more effective teaching practices.
Including media in a lesson plan is beneficial for enhancing students' digital literacy abilities.
In today's tech-savvy society, it is crucial for students to have the skills to effectively utilize
technology for accessing, assessing, and producing media content. Introducing students to a
variety of media platforms and styles can assist in cultivating their critical thinking skills and
enabling them to be selective consumers of information. This equips students with the
necessary skills to navigate the abundance of media content at their disposal and make wise
judgments regarding the trustworthiness and accuracy of sources.
There are occasionally challenges while submitting content for learning. Teachers are faced
with a number of challenges, including dull teaching strategies and uninteresting media. One
solution to this issue is to incorporate technology into the teaching and learning process. One
type of media that is frequently used to engage students in the learning process and efficiently
present the content is an instructional film (Pebriani, 2017). Students observe and imagine the
real and relevant material while watching instructional videos. Choi and Johnson's (2010)
study on the application of video-based learning demonstrated that using videos to inspire
students is feasible. This study found a substantial difference between standard text-based
training and video-based instruction in terms of learners' attentional motivation.
Student activities refer to interactive tasks or exercises that students engage in to enhance
their learning experience. By participating in these activities, students can practice their
skills, apply their knowledge, and demonstrate their understanding of the subject matter.
Engaging in these activities helps students internalize information, establish connections
between ideas, and develop their critical thinking abilities.
Engaging students in activities is an essential aspect of lesson planning, contributing -
significantly to the learning process. These activities are intended to involve students in the
lesson, improve comprehension, and solidify key concepts. Through active participation,
students can put their knowledge into practice, expand their understanding, and hone their
critical thinking abilities. Consequently, integrating student activities is vital for establishing
a dynamic and successful learning atmosphere.
Student activities play a crucial role in lesson plans by giving students the chance to actively
participate in their learning. According to lawinsider.com (2024) student activities are out-of-
classroom activities that support the mission of the colleges and provide students avenues for
personal growth and enrichment.Engaging in hands-on activities helps students stay focused
and motivated, leading to a deeper understanding of the material and the ability to relate it to
their own lives. These activities also promote a sense of ownership and responsibility fortheir
education.
Moreover, engaging students in activities helps to strengthen their grasp of the lesson content.
By allowing them to utilize their learning in a hands-on environment, students can enhance
their comprehension and better remember the material. By experiencing the practical
application of concepts, students can appreciate the relevance and value of what they have
learned, ultimately improving their retention and ability to recall the information later on.
Student activities are important not only for reinforcing concepts and improving
understanding but also for fostering critical thinking skills. Through activities that involve
problem-solving, analysis, and evaluation, students can enhance their ability to think
critically about the material they are learning. This goes beyond just memorizing information
and encourages students to think independently and creatively. Building these critical
thinking skills is vital for students to become lifelong learners who can adapt to new
challenges and think critically in any situation.
In general, student activities play a crucial role in a lesson plan by offering students important
chances for participation, reinforcing concepts, and improving critical thinking skills. By
including a range of activities in the lesson plan, teachers can establish an interactive and
stimulating learning atmosphere that supports student achievement and enriches the
educational experience. Ultimately, student activities are vital for promoting a thorough
understanding of the material, fostering independent thinking, and preparing students for
future academic and career accomplishments.
Assessment is a vital component of a lesson plan as it helps to evaluate the effectiveness of
teaching, monitor student progress, provide valuable feedback to students, and promote
student engagement and motivation. Huba and Freed (2000) state that assessment is the
process of gathering and discussing information from multiple and diverse sources in order to
develop a deep understanding of what students know, understand and can do with their
knowledge as a result of their educational experiences. It allows teachers to make informed
decisions about their teaching strategies and ensure that students are on track to meet the
learning objectives. Therefore, lesson assessment should not be overlooked and should be
incorporated into every lesson plan to ensure the success of teaching and learning.
Evaluating students' progress and the effectiveness of teaching methods is an essential part of
the lesson plan. The assessment stage includes various methods like tests, projects, group
discussions, quizzes, and presentations (thoughtco.com,2024). By analysing students'
performance, teachers can pinpoint their strengths and weaknesses, provide feedback, and
adjust lesson plans accordingly.
Assessment is primarily used by teachers to gauge the success of their teaching methods and
see if students have achieved the intended learning goals. By analyzing student performance,
educators can make informed decisions about adjusting their teaching strategies to suit the
individual needs of their students. For instance, if a significant number of students struggle
with a particular concept, the teacher can revisit the topic and provide additional assistance to
ensure understanding.
Assessment allows teachers to monitor students' progress and identify areas where they may
need extra help. This is particularly useful for students who are struggling academically or
need additional support. By regularly evaluating how students are doing, educators can
provide timely help to prevent them from falling behind and ensure they are on track with
their learning objectives.
Evaluation provides students with valuable information on their academic development and
identifies areas for enhancement. It enables students to gauge their performance against
educational goals and pinpoint areas that require further attention. Assessments also enable
students to contemplate their learning experience and set objectives for future improvement.
Furthermore, assessment plays a crucial role in promoting student engagement and
motivation. When students know that their progress is being monitored and evaluated, they
are more likely to stay focused and motivated to achieve their learning goals. Assessments
also create a sense of accountability among students, as they know they will be held
responsible for their performance.
Additionally, evaluation is important in encouraging student participation and drive. When
students are aware that their advancement is being assessed and judged, they are more
inclined to remain attentive and committed to reaching their educational objectives.
Assessments also instil a sense of responsibility in students, as they understand that they will
be accountable for their achievements.
In conclusion a lesson is likely not to succeed without a lesson plan. As fully expressed above
a lesson plan is of vital importance as it provides a roadmap for which the lesson is to travel
on. All the parts of the lesson plan are interlinked, therefor if you omit a single step you are
left with a lesson plan that will not engage students and will not achieve its intended
objective,.
References
Brown, L.D. (2007). Multiparty social action and mutual accountability. In A. Ebrahim and
E. Weisband (Eds), Global accountability and moral community (pp.89-111). Cambridge:
Cambridge University Press.
Cook-Sather, A. (2006). Sound, presence, and power: ‘Student voice’ in educational research
and reform. Curriculum Inquiry, 36(4), 359-390.
Danielson, C. (2007). Enhancing professional practice: A framework for teaching, 2nd ed.
Alexandra, VA: ASCD
Hatcher, L., & Stepanski, E. J. (1994). A step-by-step approach to using the SAS System for
univariate and multivariate statistics. Cary, N. C: SAS Institute Inc.
Kerlinger, F. K., (1973). Foundations of Behavioral Research, 2nd ed. New York: Holt,
Rinehart, and Winston, Inc.
Kane, R.G., Maw, N., & Chimwayange, C. (2006). Making sense of learning at secondary
school: An exploration by teachers with students. Wellington, NZ: Teaching and Learning
Research Institute.
Popham, W. J. (2011). Classroom assessment: What teachers need to know (6th ed.). Boston:
Allyn and Bacon.
Musfiqon. (2012). Development of learning media and sources. Jakarta: Prestasi Pustakaraya.
Heafner, T. (2004). Using technology to motivate students to learn social studies.
Contemporary Issues in Technology and Teacher, 4(1), 42–53.
https://www.teachmint.com/glossary/l/lesson/
https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/plan
https://ctl.wiley.com/learning-objectives-basics/
https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/student-activities
https://www.thoughtco.com/lesson-plan-step-8-assessment-and-follow-up-
2081855#:~:text=Learning%20goals%20can%20be%20assessed,presentations%2C%20or
%20other%20concrete%20means.
