Questions Before Answers: What Drives a Great Lesson?

Designing lessons that engage and motivate your students is important as a teacher. A great lesson goes beyond just imparting knowledge; it sparks students’ curiosity and a love of learning. So, what drives a great lesson? Here are some questions to consider when planning your next lesson.
What are the objectives of the lesson?
Before you start planning, it’s essential to have a clear understanding of what you want students to learn from the lesson. Ask yourself, what is the overall objective of the lesson? What specific skills or knowledge do you want students to acquire? Understanding the objectives will help you design a focused and effective lesson.
Who are the students?
Knowing your students is crucial to designing a successful lesson. Consider their backgrounds, interests, and learning styles when planning the lesson. For example, if you have students who are visual learners, incorporating images and videos into the lesson can help engage and motivate them.
How will students be engaged and motivated?
A great lesson not only imparts knowledge but also engages and motivates students. What activities or strategies will you keep students interested and invested in the lesson? Incorporating hands-on activities, discussion, and problem-solving can help keep students engaged.
What resources will you use?
Consider the resources you will need to support the lesson. This could include books, videos, online resources, or other materials. Ensure the resources you use align with the lesson objectives and are age-appropriate for your students.
How will you assess student learning?
It’s important to have a way to measure student learning to determine if the lesson was successful. Consider what assessments you will use, such as quizzes, discussions, or written assignments. Ensure the assessments align with the lesson objectives and provide meaningful feedback to students.
What are the potential challenges, and how will you address them?
Consider the challenges you may face when teaching the lesson and plan how to address them. For example, if you have a student who may struggle with the material, consider how you will provide extra support.
Great lessons are driven by careful planning and thoughtful consideration. By asking yourself these questions, you can design engaging, meaningful, and effective lessons for your students. A great lesson imparts knowledge and sparks a love of learning that lasts a lifetime.