UNIVERSITY OF

SCHOOL OF
NAME :

COMP NO# :

COURSE CODE : GDS 1110

COURSE COORDINATOR :

TASK : ASSIGMENT 01

DUE DATE : 10TH MAY 2024

QUESTION: Critically examine the elements of a lesson plan and point out why
most teachers fail to prepare lesson plans.
Lesson planning is an essential aspect of effective teaching, providing a roadmap for educators to
guide their students towards achieving specific learning objectives. It is a detailed outline that
outlines the sequence of activities, resources, and assessments that will be used to facilitate
learning in the classroom. Despite its importance, many teachers struggle to create thorough and
effective lesson plans, often resulting in disorganized and ineffective instruction. In this essay,
discusses the key elements of a lesson plan and explores the reasons why some educators fall
short in their preparation.

A lesson plan is a detailed outline that guides teachers on how to deliver instruction effectively.
It includes objectives, materials, procedures, and assessment strategies to ensure that students'
learning needs are met. Lesson plans help teachers stay organized and focused, ensuring that
every minute in the classroom is utilized productively. By following a well-thought-out lesson
plan, educators can create engaging and interactive learning experiences that promote student
understanding and growth.1

One primary element of a lesson plan is the learning objectives or outcomes. These objectives
delineate what students are expected to learn by the end of the lesson. They serve as a roadmap
for instruction, guiding teachers in selecting appropriate activities and assessments. Nonetheless,
some teachers fail to formulate clear and measurable learning objectives, which can lead to
confusion and inefficiency in the teaching process. Vague or ambiguous objectives make it
challenging to gauge student progress accurately and align instructional strategies effectively. 2

Another crucial component of a lesson plan is instructional materials and resources. These
encompass textbooks, worksheets, multimedia presentations, and other tools used to facilitate
learning. Insufficient access to resources or a lack of familiarity with available materials can
hinder teachers' ability to design engaging and meaningful lessons. Moreover, Hattie emphasized
that the failure to adapt materials to students' diverse learning needs and preferences may result
in disengagement and limited understanding. Teachers must invest time in researching and
selecting appropriate resources to enhance the effectiveness of their instruction. 3

1
T. R. Guskey, Evaluating Professional Development (Harvard: Corwin Press, 2017), 78.
2
R. J. Marzano, The Art and Science of Teaching: A Comprehensive Framework for Effective Instruction (New York:
ASCD), 8.
3
J. Hattie, Visible Learning: A Synthesis of over 800 Meta-analyses Relating to Achievement (London: Routledge,
2009), 90.
1
The structure and organization of a lesson plan also play a vital role in its efficacy. A well-
structured lesson plan typically includes distinct components such as an introduction, main
activities, and a conclusion. The introduction sets the stage for learning, arouses students'
interest, and provides context for the lesson. However, some teachers may neglect this aspect,
diving straight into the content without establishing relevance or capturing students' attention. As
a consequence, students may struggle to grasp the significance of the lesson or lose interest
prematurely.4

Furthermore, the main activities section of a lesson plan outlines the tasks and exercises through
which students will acquire new knowledge and skills. Effective instructional strategies, such as
direct instruction, cooperative learning, and hands-on activities, should be employed to cater to
diverse learning styles and preferences. Nevertheless, teachers may rely excessively on lecture-
based approaches or fail to differentiate instruction, thereby excluding certain students from
active participation. This lack of variety and inclusivity can impede student engagement and
comprehension.5

Equally important is the assessment component of a lesson plan, which involves evaluating
students' understanding and progress. Formative assessments, such as quizzes, discussions, and
observations, provide ongoing feedback to inform instruction and support learning. On the other
hand, Wiggins and McTighe highlights that summative assessments, such as tests and projects,
measure students' mastery of learning objectives at the conclusion of the lesson or unit. However,
some teachers may overlook the importance of assessment or perceive it as a separate entity
rather than an integral part of the instructional process. Consequently, they may miss
opportunities to identify misconceptions, address learning gaps, and adapt their teaching
strategies accordingly.6

Another element critical to effective lesson planning is differentiation and adaptation. Students
come from diverse backgrounds and possess varying abilities, interests, and learning styles.
Therefore, teachers must differentiate instruction to accommodate these differences and ensure
equitable access to learning opportunities. This entails modifying content, process, and products
to meet individual students' needs and preferences. However, many teachers may struggle with
implementing differentiation due to time constraints, limited resources, or a lack of training and
4
Guskey, Evaluating Professional Development, 79.
5
G. P. Wiggins & J. McTighe, Understanding by Design (Harvard: Harvard University Press, 2012), 54.
6

2
support. As a result, some students may feel marginalized or underserved in the classroom,
hindering their academic growth and success.7

Additionally, the incorporation of technology into lesson planning has become increasingly
important in today's digital age. Educational technology tools and platforms offer innovative
ways to engage students, enhance learning outcomes, and facilitate communication and
collaboration. However, not all teachers possess the necessary technological skills or access to
adequate resources to leverage these tools effectively. 8 Furthermore, the rapid pace of
technological advancements may overwhelm some educators, causing them to resist or ignore
integration efforts. Consequently, they may miss out on opportunities to harness the full potential
of technology in supporting teaching and learning.9

Despite the importance of lesson planning, many teachers struggle to prepare effective lesson
plans. There are several reasons why this may occur, the lack of time is a significant challenge
for teachers, given their extensive workloads and numerous responsibilities. With limited time
available, educators may find themselves rushing through the lesson planning process, resulting
in incomplete or hastily crafted plans. Therefore, important aspects such as aligning activities
with learning objectives, adapting materials for diverse learners, and integrating assessment
strategies may be overlooked. This time pressure can hinder teachers' ability to deliver high-
quality instruction and meet the individual needs of their students effectively.10

Inexperience can be a major obstacle for novice teachers as they begin their careers in education.
Without practical experience and pedagogical knowledge, they may find it challenging to create
detailed lesson plans that address the diverse needs of their students. Lack of familiarity with
instructional strategies, assessment methods, and classroom management techniques can hinder
their ability to provide engaging and effective learning opportunities. The shift from theoretical
knowledge to real-world application can be overwhelming, requiring patience and mentorship to
build the necessary skills and confidence to plan and deliver instruction effectively.11

7
Hattie, Visible Learning: A Synthesis of over 800 Meta-analyses Relating to Achievement, 97.
8
L. Darling-Hammond, “Teacher Education around the World: What can we Learn from International Practice?”
European Journal of Teacher Education, 40(3) (2017), 291.
9
Guskey, Evaluating Professional Development, 84.
10
C. A. Tomlinson & S. D. Allan, Leadership for Differentiating Schools & Classrooms (London: MTI Press, 2020), 56.
11
M. Fullan, Leading in a Culture of Change (Boston: John Wiley & Sons, 2014), 56.
3
Furthermore, novice teachers may struggle to adapt to the dynamic and unpredictable nature of
the classroom environment. They may encounter unexpected challenges and obstacles that they
are not prepared to handle, leading to feelings of frustration and inadequacy. As they gain more
experience and receive guidance from experienced colleagues, they can gradually overcome
these hurdles and become more proficient in creating well-structured and engaging lesson plans.
The process of learning and growing as a teacher is a continuous journey that requires dedication
and a willingness to learn from both successes and failures.12

Another significant obstacle that many teachers face is the lack of adequate training in lesson
planning. While teacher education programs aim to equip educators with the necessary
knowledge and skills, some aspiring teachers may not receive comprehensive instruction in
lesson planning. As a result, they may enter the classroom without a solid understanding of how
to structure a lesson plan effectively or incorporate evidence-based teaching strategies. Without
proper training, teachers may struggle to engage students, assess learning outcomes accurately,
and create inclusive learning environments.13

An additional challenge that many educators encounter is the overreliance on textbooks and pre-
packaged materials. While textbooks can provide valuable content and guidance, relying solely
on them can lead to uninspired and monotonous lessons. These materials may not always be
aligned with students' interests, learning styles, or current educational trends. Consequently,
students may disengage from the lesson, leading to decreased motivation and comprehension.
To address this challenge, teachers should supplement textbook materials with a variety of
resources, including multimedia presentations, hands-on activities, and real-world examples, to
enhance student engagement and promote deeper learning.14

Moreover, Tomlinson and Allan argued that a crucial aspect of effective lesson planning is
ensuring alignment with curriculum standards and learning objectives. Failure to align lesson
plans with these standards can result in students not meeting academic requirements or achieving
desired learning outcomes. When lesson plans are not closely tied to established standards,
students may miss out on essential concepts and skills necessary for academic success.
Therefore, it is imperative for teachers to carefully review curriculum guidelines and learning

12
Wiggins & McTighe, Understanding by Design, 55.
13
Marzano, The Art and Science of Teaching: A Comprehensive Framework for Effective Instruction, 12.
14
Darling-Hammond, “Teacher Education around the World: What can we Learn from International Practice?” 292.
4
objectives when designing their lesson plans, ensuring that instruction is targeted towards
meeting these benchmarks.15

Another challenge that hinders effective lesson planning is the resistance to change among some
teachers. Despite advancements in educational research and the emergence of innovative
instructional strategies, some educators may be hesitant to adopt new approaches. This
reluctance to embrace change can result in stagnant lesson plans that fail to evolve with shifting
student needs and educational trends. 16 Moreover, it may prevent teachers from incorporating
evidence-based practices that have been shown to enhance student engagement and learning
outcomes. To address this challenge, professional development opportunities and collaborative
support networks can help educators overcome resistance to change and cultivate a culture of
continuous improvement in lesson planning.17

Additionally, burnout poses a significant challenge for many teachers in effectively planning
lessons. The demanding nature of the teaching profession, coupled with long hours and heavy
workloads, can lead to feelings of exhaustion and overwhelm. When teachers are burnt out, they
may lack the energy, creativity, and motivation needed to plan engaging and meaningful lessons.
Consequently, lesson plans may become rushed or neglected, resulting in subpar instruction and
disengagement among students. To address burnout, schools must prioritize teacher well-being
and provide adequate support systems, such as counseling services and professional development
opportunities focused on stress management and work-life balance.18

In conclusion, effective lesson planning is paramount for guiding students toward achieving
specific learning objectives and fostering meaningful educational experiences. However,
numerous challenges, including time constraints, inexperience, lack of training, and resistance to
change, can impede teachers' ability to create thorough and engaging lesson plans. Addressing
these challenges requires a multifaceted approach that prioritizes teacher support, ongoing
professional development, and a culture of innovation and collaboration. By equipping educators
with the necessary resources, skills, and encouragement, schools can empower them to overcome
obstacles and deliver high-quality instruction that meets the diverse needs of their students.

REFERENCES
15
Tomlinson & Allan, Leadership for Differentiating Schools & Classrooms, 57.
16
Marzano, The Art and Science of Teaching: A Comprehensive Framework for Effective Instruction, 10.
17
Hattie, Visible Learning: A Synthesis of over 800 Meta-analyses Relating to Achievement, 97.
18
Fullan, Leading in a Culture of Change, 58.
5
Darling-Hammond, L. “Teacher Education around the World: What can we Learn from
International Practice?” European Journal of Teacher Education, 40(3) (2017), 291-309.

Fullan, M. Leading in a Culture of Change. Boston: John Wiley & Sons, 2014.

Guskey, T. R. Evaluating Professional Development. Harvard: Corwin Press, 2017.

Hattie, J. Visible Learning: A Synthesis of over 800 Meta-analyses Relating to Achievement.

Marzano, R. J. The Art and Science of Teaching: A Comprehensive Framework for Effective
Instruction. New York: ASCD.

Tomlinson, C. A., & Allan, S. D. Leadership for Differentiating Schools & Classrooms. London:
MTI Press, 2020.

Wiggins, G. P., & McTighe, J. Understanding by Design. Harvard: Harvard University Press,
2012.