What is a Good Lesson?

The Best Choice .... according to the experts

Cotter, 2001 – "The following components [are] clearly in evidence [for a good lesson]: introduction and anticipatory set, clear instructional objective, substantive content, modeling of desired outcomes, check for student understanding, guided analogous practice, independent practice, and closure."

Rationale

• Faculty will know they are providing a high-quality teaching experience.
• Students will learn more effectively and more efficiently.

Basic Information

What do instructors think is a good lesson?

• Clearly expressed instructional goals/objectives
• Well planned, paced and organized
• Clearly communicates to the students the desired outcomes
• Utilizes appropriate teaching and learning strategies
• Accommodates for different student learning styles
• Utilizes technology in a meaningful and competent manner
• Motivates and actively engages students to learn
• Periodically checks for student understanding
• Monitors and evaluates student performance
• Provides timely feedback to students
• Provides a summary of the lesson

What do students think is a good lesson?

• Knows what the instructor is trying to accomplish in the lesson.
• Understands what criteria the instructor will use to assess them.
• Knows how they are doing throughout the course.
• The instructor expresses his/her ideas clearly.
• Content is easy to understand, or appropriate guidance is provided for complex and difficult tasks.
• Course is well paced.
• Lessons provide new and supportive content.
• Content can be integrated with previously learned concepts.
• Knowledge learned can help the students with future careers.
• Does not have excessive or useless work
• Is interesting, stimulating, challenging and motivating.

References

Additional Links

• Lesson Plan Formats
• Tips on Becoming a Teacher
• Elements of Lesson Design (Madeline Hunter)