Dear teachers,

Today, we will discuss the importance of lesson plans and whether or not they are essential. Before delving into the topic of lesson planning, I’d like to share a conversation I had with my MYP PHE Workshop leader in Dubai in 2019. At the end of each workshop day, I used to reflect on the day’s events to gain insights into our discussions.

Today marked the final day of the workshop in Dubai. I initiated a discussion with my workshop leader regarding lesson plans because I had requested a template that would be useful for our subject. I also shared my current lesson plan with him. To my surprise, he messaged me, questioning how I intended to explore concepts when my class activities were already planned. I was truly taken aback. However, as we began our discussion in class, I gradually comprehended his point. He emphasized the importance of guiding our lessons with the Statement of Inquiry (SOI) and the big idea. This approach, he explained, ensures that inquiry takes place, allowing us to explore more with our students. I am still in the process of understanding how this can be implemented effectively.

During this period, I was also undergoing my IB training at the University of British Columbia, and I shared these thoughts with my mentor. Lesson planning was one of the aspects assessed, and my mentor stressed that without a plan, managing time effectively would be challenging. We agreed that while it is crucial to explore concepts, it is equally important to enter the lesson with a clear understanding of what will be done and to remain open to adjusting the plan as needed. In conclusion, my mentor emphasized that a lesson plan should be dynamic and flexible.

Of course, even before joining the IB program, I recognized the importance of having a plan. It instils confidence when conducting a session, knowing that you have prepared something specific for that particular group, and it allows you to reflect on your plan afterwards. This practice has enabled me to grow and learn from my mistakes. Since university, we have been taught to plan, implement the plan, reflect, and repeat the process in a continuous cycle. The only aspect I did not appreciate during my university experience was the use of an outdated template from 1990, which my teachers had used when they were students. It was overly complicated.

Upon joining the IB program, I embarked on a quest to find different templates that would make lesson planning easy and enjoyable. I sought a template that would allow me to explore context, concepts, and content seamlessly. During my training in Kenya/Mombasa, I came across a template that was shared during a professional development session, and this is the one I will share with you today.

This particular lesson plan comes from my previous school. In addition to IB requirements, we also had school strands known as AKA STRANDS, which we needed to consider while planning our units and lesson plans. In this specific case, I was exploring PLURALISM. Therefore, I selected an area of exploration within the concept that would benefit the students and align with the unit we were studying. The remaining information is relevant to IB MYP.

The second part of the plan is focused on taking action, starting with the introduction of the lesson. It is important, before diving into the day’s agenda, to engage in a discussion with the students about the previous lesson. Following that, you should share the objectives for the day. Sharing your goals for the lesson with the students is crucial because it involves them in the process, ensuring that everyone is on the same page.

Another valuable aspect of this template/plan is that it provides guidance on the teacher’s actions. For instance, it suggests actions such as bringing the students together and explaining the next task.

The final part of the plan involves incorporating a variety of closing activities, which can be conducted with students on a daily or weekly basis. You can explore different exit activities by conducting research, and you’ll find excellent ideas to implement. This section of the plan also emphasizes the importance of ongoing assessment to aid in student improvement. Reflection plays a crucial role in enhancing student learning.

As a teacher, it’s essential to remain prepared to adapt your lessons. This is one of the reasons why your plan should be dynamic and flexible. Have multiple plans, labelled as Plan A, Plan B, and even Plan C, for every lesson. Not everything goes according to plan all the time, so it’s crucial to be ready for unforeseen circumstances and adjustments.

After each lesson write your reflection and that reflection improves your next plan. Feel free to share your thoughts about this template and let me know if this was useful for you.

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