Checklist for Developing
Learner-Centered Lesson Plans
Developing a learner-centered lesson plan from start to finish involves several phases. The following list provides a summary of key steps:
When planning the design for this lesson plan:
⇨ Conduct a Learning Needs and Resources Assessment to understand the interests, concerns and strengths of participants, educators, and experts
⇨ Use the 7 Steps of Planning
When developing the lesson plan:
⇨ Include these 4 steps:
1. start with learners’ personal experience
2. give new content
3. let learners use the new content here and now
4. let learners connect this content to something outside the class
⇨ Incorporate RISE principles (Respect, Immediacy, Safety, and Engagement)
⇨ Begin with a warm welcome
⇨ Use at least one open question after introducing each piece of content
⇨ Use pairs or small groups to involve all the learners
⇨ Address different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)
⇨ Include affective as well as psychomotor and cognitive elements (learning with the emotions as well as muscles and mind)
⇨ Include take-home learning activities where appropriate
When developing the lesson plan, also:
⇨ Provide information in dialogue rather than ask participants what you already know
⇨ Match the amount of material with the amount of time
⇨ Keep it simple
⇨ Make it fun!!
When testing the lesson plan:
⇨ Test the design with groups of participants
⇨ Observe the class, and ensure participants spend at least 50% of the time talking (with each other as well as with the teacher) and doing the activities
⇨ Use comments from educators and participants to improve the design
When formatting the lesson plan, include:
⇨ An introductory page describing WHO, WHY, WHEN/WHERE, WHAT FOR, and WHAT
⇨ Sections describing “materials needed” and ”steps for getting ready to teach the...