week8

Processes of creating CALL lessons

                 Good lesson planning is essential to the process of teaching and learning.  A teacher who is prepared is well on his/her way to a successful instructional experience.  The development of interesting lessons takes a great deal of time and effort.  As a new teacher you must be committed to spending the necessary time in this endeavor.

                  It is also important to realize that the best planned lesson is worthless if interesting delivery procedures, along with good classroom management techniques, are not in evidence.  There is a large body of research available pertaining to lesson development and delivery and the significance of classroom management.  They are skills that must be researched, structured to your individual style, implemented in a teacher/learning situation, and constantly evaluated and revamped when necessary.  Consistency is of the utmost importance in the implementation of a classroom management plan.

                 All teachers should understand that they are not an island unto themselves.  The educational philosophy of the district and the uniqueness of their schools should be the guiding force behind what takes place in the classroom.  The school’s code of discipline, which should be fair, responsible and meaningful, must be reflected in every teacher’s classroom management efforts.

SUGGESTED PRACTICES

·        Establish a positive classroom environment

·        Make the classroom a pleasant, friendly place

·        Accept individual differences

·        Learning activities should be cooperative and supportive

·        Create a non-threatening learning environment

·        Organize physical space; eliminate situations that may be dangerous or disruptive

·        Establish classroom rules and procedures and consistently reinforce them 

Begin lessons by giving clear instructions

·        State desired quality of work

·        Have students paraphrase directions

·        Ensure that everyone is paying attention

·        Ensure that all distractions have been removed

·        Describe expectations, activities and evaluation procedures

·        Start with a highly motivating activity

·        Build lesson upon prior student knowledge

Maintain student attention

·        Use random selection in calling upon students

·        Vary who you call on and how you call on them

·        Ask questions before calling on a student; wait at least five seconds for a response

·        Reinforce student efforts with praise

·        Vary instructional methods

·        Provide work of appropriate difficulty

·        Demonstrate and model the types of responses or tasks you want students to perform

·        Provide guided practice for students; monitor responses and deliver immediate corrective feedback

·        Use appropriate pacing