Are lesson plans necessary?
Although lesson plans constitute a major part of being a teacher, they are dreaded, and sometimes their importance is underestimated by some teachers. Some teachers even advance the unpredictability of some events in the classroom to discredit any attempt to provide any strict planning of what occurs in the classroom. Although this might be true, it should be noted that a lesson plan is a project of a lesson. It’s not (and cannot) be a description of what will exactly happen during lesson delivery. It provides, however, a guide for managing the classroom environment and the learning process.
Reasons for lesson plans
To have some hints on the importance of lesson plans on the teaching process, consider these reasons:
- Clarity
Lesson plans help to be clear about what you want to teach. Teachers need to make wise decisions about the strategies and methods they will employ to help students move systematically toward learner goals. - Unpredictable Events
Lesson plans may also include a room for unpredictable events. This helps teachers to be ready to cope with whatever happens. - Framework
Lesson plans give your teaching a framework, an overall shape. - Reminder
Lesson plans may also play the role of a reminder for teachers when they get distracted. - Commitment
It suggests a level of professionalism and real commitment.
In addition to the above reasons, it is worthwhile mentioning that lesson plans will have a positive impact on both the teacher and the learner.
- For the teacher
- They don’t have to think on their feet. They don’t lose face in front of their learners.
- They are clear on the procedure to follow.
- They build on the previous teaching and prepare for the coming lessons
- For the learner
- They realize that the teacher cares for their learning.
- They attend a structured lesson: easier to assimilate
- They appreciate their teacher’s work as a model of well-organized work to imitate.
