For teaching and learning not to be erratic, a teacher has to plan each lesson. Lesson planning is important for the effective implementation of the curriculum. In fact, it is one of the best ways to ensure that the curriculum is properly implemented.
A lesson plan is a systematic, step-by-step arrangement of how instruction will be organised and delivered.
A lesson plan is the teacher’s compass in the classroom. According to an educationist:
“A lesson plan is the teacher’s visa to the classroom.”
It is therefore important for a teacher to plan the lesson before entering the classroom. Proper planning helps to prevent failure and promotes successful teaching and learning.
Important Questions in Lesson Planning
A good lesson plan is centred on achievable instructional objectives that can be accomplished within the available period.
When preparing a lesson plan, the teacher should answer the following questions:
What do I want to teach?
How will I teach it, and for how long?
What instructional materials and resources will I need?
How will I evaluate the teaching and learning process at the end of the lesson?
Steps in Preparing a Lesson Plan
The following steps may be helpful when preparing a lesson plan.
1. Topic
Identify the topic to be taught, usually from the scheme of work or unit plan.
2. Duration
State the length of the lesson and plan how the available time will be used.
3. Previous Knowledge
Identify the learners’ previous knowledge or experience relating to the topic.
4. Instructional Materials
Identify and obtain the materials required to support the teaching and learning of the topic.
5. Teaching Method
Choose a suitable teaching method or a combination of methods for the topic.
6. Presentation
Arrange the lesson content in clear steps. State the activities of both the teacher and the learners at each stage.
7. Evaluation
Devise a means of determining whether the lesson objectives have been achieved. Evaluation may involve oral questions, written exercises or practical tasks.
Sample Chemistry Lesson Plan
The lesson plan below is one I once prepared for a Chemistry lesson. It may be helpful as a guide, but it is by no means perfect. Every teacher should be able to adapt a lesson plan to the subject, learners and teaching situation.
School: ****
Class: SSS 1
Subject: Chemistry
Topic: Introduction to Chemistry
Duration: 45 minutes
Behavioural Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
define Chemistry;
list career opportunities related to Chemistry; and
explain some adverse effects of chemicals.
Instructional Materials
Charts or posters showing:
different chemical industries;
products of chemical industries; and
harmful effects of chemicals and drugs.
Previous Knowledge
Students are familiar with common household chemicals and some harmful effects of chemicals such as acids.
Teaching Methods
Verbal instruction and discussion methods.
Presentation
The teacher presents the lesson in the following steps.
Step I: Meaning and Applications of Chemistry
Teacher’s Activity:
The teacher defines Chemistry and explains how the knowledge of Chemistry is applied in different industries. The teacher also identifies useful products manufactured by chemical industries.
Students’ Activity:
The students listen attentively and identify products of chemical industries found within the school or home environment.
Step II: Careers in Chemistry
Teacher’s Activity:
The teacher lists and explains different career opportunities related to Chemistry and identifies industries connected with each career.
Students’ Activity:
The students listen, ask questions and take notes.
Step III: Students’ Career Interests
Teacher’s Activity:
The teacher initiates a discussion in which students identify possible careers they may wish to pursue in Chemistry and give reasons for their choices.
Students’ Activity:
The students state their career choices and explain the reasons for their decisions.
Step IV: Uses and Harmful Effects of Chemicals
Teacher’s Activity:
Using charts and posters, the teacher leads a discussion on the uses and harmful effects of chemicals and chemical industries on humans, animals and the environment.
Students’ Activity:
The students participate in the discussion and compare the benefits and harmful effects of chemicals and chemical industries.
Evaluation
Teacher’s Activity:
The teacher asks the students the following oral questions:
What is Chemistry?
Identify five industries that apply the knowledge of Chemistry.
Mention three careers related to Chemistry.
State two harmful effects of chemicals.
Students’ Activity:
The students answer the questions.
Conclusion
The teacher summarises the major points of the lesson and corrects any misunderstanding.
Assignment
List five careers related to Chemistry.
State three uses and three harmful effects of chemicals.
Identify ten common products of chemical industries used in everyday life.
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