Lesson Note Features for Effective Teaching
Identify and discuss any eight (8) features of a typical Lesson Note.
The following are the features of a typical lesson note;
A. Subject and topic: Without a topic, the teacher would have nothing to teach as he cannot go on discussing the entire subject. At this point, a distinction made between a subject and topic. A subject refers to the broad field of study such should be
such * as Mathematics while a topic refers to a component of the subject Quadratic Equation” or “Simple interest.
B. Description of pupils: Since the lesson is going to be centered around the learners, the lesson note should take time to describe the level or category of learners whom the lesson is meant for. This helps in determining the pupils
problems, needs, interests and capabilities.
information needed include:
Class: Primary IV Average Age: 8+ (that is above 8 years) Sex: Mixed
C. Instructional and behavioural objectives: These are the specific tasks of behaviours you want the pupils to perform or demonstrate immediately after the lesson as evidence that learning has taken place. The objectives are to be stated in terms of pupils’ behaviour and in such a way that they can be evaluated. To facilitate this, the teacher is advised to use such action verbs as to name, identify, mention, explain, discuss, describe, distinguish, calculate, arrange, defend, criticize and so on.
D. Duration of the lesson: This refers to the length of time allocated to the lesson a the timetable. This could be 30 or 40 minutes. This knowledge is important because teachers are expected to plan for what they can accomplish or finis within the limited time. It is embarrassing to the next teacher and disruptive to the next subject if a teacher teaches into the next lesson period allocated for another subject.
E. Teaching aids: These are the resource materials to be used to facilitate the attainment of the lesson objectives. They could be used for illustration demonstration of processes or concepts in the lesson. For example, maps are use to bring to reality, events which are far away from the pupils such as that showing the physical features of a place. Not only should the teaching aids to be used t mentioned in the lesson note, they should be briefly described in terms of the composition and the purpose they are to serve.
F. Pupils’ previous knowledge or entry behaviour: It is generally accepted the learning cannot be built without a foundation. This foundation could be what child has learnt or known before, his maturity and readiness, or existing ability and willingness to learn, Therefore, teachers must seek to base their lesson on the pupils’ previous knowledge, which is relevant to the present task to be performed. The previous knowledge may arise from the last lesson(s) taught. It may derive from pupils’ informal experiences such as the television, newspapers, radio, church or social activities, peer group activities, buying and selling in the market and so on. This is usually stated in the form of assumption. For example, before teaching a topic like simple interest, the pupils must have known that people lend and borrow money or any other thing. An attempt to prove the assumption helps to introduce the new lesson in a very interesting way.
G. Introduction: This aspect of the lesson note has to do with the different activities used in initiating or introducing the pupils into the new lesson so as to arouse their interest. This could be by oral questioning and answers, demonstration, short analogy or story or event similar to the experiences in the new lesson. In this way. pupils’ past experiences are linked with those expected to be met in the present lesson.
H. Development: This is the presentation stage. Here, the teacher presents the concepts or facts of the lesson step-by-step as carefully planned in the lesson note. A number of techniques are used to stimulate and sustain pupils’ interest in the lesson. For example, oral questioning and answer method is used at appropriate stages. They serve not only as a way of carrying the pupils along, but as a means of moving from one step or stage of the lesson to the other. It is important that you write down some of these questions and their possible answers in your lesson note as they serve a number of purposes as discussed above. At the appropriate stage of the development of the lesson, provision should be made for the use of relevant teaching aids.
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In Summary, these are the most important features of a lesson note:
- Subject and Topic: The lesson note should clearly state the subject (e.g., Mathematics) and the specific topic within that subject (e.g., Quadratic Equations). This helps the teacher focus on what to teach.
- Description of Pupils: It’s essential to describe the characteristics of the learners for whom the lesson is intended. This includes details like the class level, average age, and gender mix, as these factors can influence teaching strategies.
- Instructional and Behavioral Objectives: These are specific, measurable goals that outline what the pupils should be able to do or demonstrate after the lesson. Objectives should be stated in terms of pupil behavior and should be evaluative.
- Duration of the Lesson: The lesson note should specify the allotted time for the lesson, which is usually determined by the school timetable. Knowing the duration helps the teacher plan the lesson content effectively.
- Teaching Aids: Teaching aids are resources and materials used to support the lesson and enhance understanding. They could include items like maps, charts, or multimedia presentations. The lesson note should mention which teaching aids will be used and briefly describe their purpose.
- Pupils’ Previous Knowledge or Entry Behavior: Acknowledging what the students already know or their entry behavior is crucial. This provides a foundation upon which new knowledge can be built, ensuring that the lesson is appropriately tailored to the students’ existing understanding.
- Methodology: The lesson note should outline the teaching methods and strategies that will be employed to deliver the content effectively. This might include techniques like group discussions, demonstrations, or hands-on activities.
- Assessment and Evaluation: The lesson note should include a plan for assessing the pupils’ understanding and progress. This can involve quizzes, assignments, or other assessment methods to gauge whether the learning objectives have been met.
These features collectively help teachers plan and execute effective lessons that cater to the needs and capabilities of their students.
[mediator_tech]
Effective Use of Behavioral Objectives in Lesson Planning
Education Concepts, Rewards, Microteaching
Evaluation
1. A typical lesson note should clearly state the ________ and ________ of the lesson.
a) Teacher’s name, date
b) Subject, topic
c) Classroom number, duration
d) Student’s age, objectives
2. The description of pupils in a lesson note helps in understanding their ________ and ________.
a) Hobbies, interests
b) Problems, capabilities
c) Schedules, preferences
d) Background, family history
3. Instructional objectives in a lesson note should be stated in terms of ________.
a) Teacher’s preference
b) Pupils’ behavior
c) Classroom rules
d) Parental involvement
4. Duration of the lesson in a lesson note refers to the ________.
a) Number of teaching aids
b) Number of students
c) Length of time allocated
d) Types of subjects covered
5. Teaching aids in a lesson note are used to facilitate the attainment of ________.
a) Teacher’s goals
b) Pupil’s dreams
c) Lesson objectives
d) Parent-teacher meetings
6. In a lesson note, teaching aids should be briefly described in terms of ________.
a) Their color
b) Their price
c) Their composition
d) Their popularity
7. Pupils’ previous knowledge or entry behavior is important because it serves as a ________ for learning.
a) Barrier
b) Distraction
c) Foundation
d) Assessment
8. When describing pupils in a lesson note, you should include details about their ________.
a) Favorite subjects
b) Shoe sizes
c) Average age
d) Weather preferences
9. The objectives in a lesson note should be written using ________ verbs.
a) Adjective
b) Noun
c) Action
d) Pronoun
10. Duration of the lesson in a lesson note is crucial to ensure ________.
a) Teacher’s comfort
b) Students’ attendance
c) Effective planning
d) Parental involvement
11. Teaching aids are resource materials used for ________ in the lesson.
a) Decorating the classroom
b) Entertainment purposes
c) Facilitating understanding
d) Teacher’s personal use
12. Pupils’ previous knowledge helps in understanding their ________.
a) Favorite colors
b) Learning styles
c) Shoe preferences
d) Sports abilities
13. The distinction between subject and topic is important in a lesson note to ensure ________.
a) Teacher’s convenience
b) Student engagement
c) Clear focus
d) Parental feedback
14. In a lesson note, it’s essential to specify the length of time allocated to the lesson based on the ________.
a) Teacher’s preference
b) Pupils’ demands
c) School timetable
d) Parental approval
15. Teaching aids in a lesson note should be described in terms of their ________ and ________.
a) Purpose, color
b) Popularity, cost
c) Composition, purpose
d) Weight, size