Lauren Wilson

Teaching Preparation: Planning Learning

Every lesson I create includes a strategic and detailed plan. To plan a lesson, I always
begin with looking at the state standards such as TEKS and ELPS. Lesson objectives are
developed from the state standards specific concepts and topics required as knowledge for each
student. I determine what students will be able to accomplish through each of the lessons. Once
the objectives and state standards are addressed, the lesson planning begins. Throughout
planning a lesson, the idea is to create an opportunity for students to explore and make concrete
connections. Throughout UTeach, I have been taught to use the 5E model. This engages the
students, lets them explore, explains and elaborates the content, and finally evaluates the
students knowledge. Having the 5Es as the lesson model, I strive to meet each part effectively.
Essentially a lesson that I have planned will be presented in relatively the same manner.
My planning entails having the students engaged as soon as they walk in the door. This entices
them to want to learn the new material. Once the students are thinking and are involved in
learning, they are presented with time to become familiar with the content. They will either be
given a lab, or will use pictures and models to explore the topic. The students will then be
evaluated through discussion on what they learned during the hands-on active learning. This
new knowledge will be taken and presented with factual content that will elaborate on what the
students are beginning to understand. The time spent expanding the knowledge will be more
direct teach with some points of active learning as well. After the students are able to achieve
the objectives, they will be evaluated with homework, quizzes, projects or tests. In the end, all
students are considered and the lesson plan will have accommodations prepared for any student
who needs them. All of these factors will come together and create a lesson plan that will help
students want to learn. My lessons will help students build connections and learn the material in
the most effective ways for all types of learners.