Whose lesson plan is it anyway?
Rob Shaloe
CEO of Qualifications Network and OFQUAL/CCEA and Qualifications Wales Awarding Organisation/Body
I started teaching about 16 years ago.
I was new to the topic so it was brilliant to have an “instructors pack” to guide me through the syllabus.
As I became more experienced I became aware of my delivery style. I learnt more about how people learn. I could see every group and every learner was different.
As a professional it was my responsibility to ensure what I taught was delivered in a manner that suited my delivery style. I could use suitable bridges between sessions so that they didn’t appear disjointed.
I could be flexible to meet the needs of my learners.
Over time I started to deliver more topics. Each time I registered to offer a new one through an awarding organisation I spent hundreds of pounds buying the lesson plan.
Now I appreciate that lesson plans take a long time to create and therefore buying one could save me time.
But what I was buying was one persons style of delivery; it wasn’t mine. I didn’t believe in the activities; I didn’t find the structure easy to follow and therefore it wasn’t going to work for me and my learners.
As I sit at my desk I can see a range of lesson plans; never used.
Today in some sectors it has become the norm to work off of someone elses lesson plan; in some cases it is insisted upon.
With that; where is the need for the trainer? Why does a trainer need to understand learners are all different; why does a trainer need to know anything; if they are just going to follow a given lesson plan?
So my question to trainers today is… why do so many of us rely on someone else telling us how to teach, in what sequence and what activities to use? Why aren’t we putting pen to paper; or finger to key board, to create lessons that are our own?
Registrar at Bolton Council
9 年Lesson plans are designed by nature to be a guide, but your session is surely dictated by your learners. Quickly find out what they already know, and how they learn, and allow them the freedom to explore the topic and find the answers. That way, they remember much more than the chalk and talk approach, and have a much more enjoyable experience.
JDL Training Ltd Owner and Training Director
9 年Hi Rob On the courses I teach regularly I know the content so don't look at the lesson plan just follow the Scheme of work. On new courses I do follow the plan and agree that they are guides. Sometimes you have to amend them as an activity doesn't work as planned or timed or other relevant issues take over. These days that just prove thought behind the teaching and a 'dynamic' session plan needs to be made in these cases. Their true value is appropriate planning when you teaching a new subject so you are fully prepared for the session.
1st Choice Training Ltd
9 年I prefer to set my own pace and flow, otherwise it feels too controlling and un natural