The secret to effective lesson plans (Hint:ASSURE)

I am studying to be an Elementary teacher and the most common remark I get from people is “It is so tedious to have to make a lesson plan for each subject you teach that day”. Sometimes it sounds like a lot but it is definitely an important part in the teaching process. Not only is a lesson plan beneficial for the teacher serving as a guide for things to run smoothly in an orderly fashion but it is also beneficial to the students as it is said that, “Students also feel that the lessons are sequenced properly”. In addition, “Having a good lesson plan will also increase confidence in the teacher; on the other hand, not having a plan will result in complete failure for both teacher and students” (VIA, 2015). A good lesson plan shows just how much time and effort a teacher puts into their lesson.

In regards to the lesson plan that I created, if there was anything I would change or add in, that would be having more interactive activities that I find is suitable for my students. Which will come with time because observation of what the students seem to like will be necessary for incorporating their interests into their learning process. Other than that, I still like the use of group work unless some students become reliant on others to complete work then that will be when changes will be made on that part.

My lesson was focused on math, specifically with comparison of data and inputting information to make bar graphs. With that said, I would do a follow-up just to see whether or not the students were able to retain what was learned and further move on with reading bar graphs.

The ASSURE lesson plan is a great template to follow in steps to create a lesson plan. Personally, there are not any components I feel are missing, I would just suggest to be very detailed with each component and to include every single detail to guarantee an effective outcome from the lesson given. The ASSURE model is definitely self explanatory, however Ed Forest adds that, “…it is good to follow a regimented guide to improve your teaching technique. Any effective teacher knows that the perfection of their technique does not come overnight, and there is always room for improvement” (Forest, 2016). 

 References

Forest, E. (2016). ASSURE: Instructional Design Model - Educational Technology. Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://educationaltechnology.net/assure-instructional-design-model/

VIA Training Center | Full-Time and Online TESL/TESOL. (n.d.). Retrieved October 20, 2016, from http://www.canadatesl.com/why-teachers-need-to-plan-lessons/