The importance of effective planning

Effective teachers are those who are:

good at setting a clear framework and objectives for each lesson. The effective teacher is very systematic in the preparation for, and execution of, each lesson. The lesson planning is done in the context of the broader curriculum and longer-term plans. It is a very structured approach, beginning with a review of previous lessons, and an overview of the objectives of the lesson linked to previous lessons.
(Harris, Day, Hadfield, Hopkins, Hargreaves and Chapman, 2002: 59)

I would  agree that there is a close relationship between the success of a lesson and the quality of its planning. If a teacher takes the time to set lesson aims, think of a range of activities and anticipate problems then the lesson usually goes smoothly and is enjoyable for both teacher and pupil. This is not always true though, there have been times when I have had no time to plan and therefore have just taught a lesson ‘off the top of my head’ and this has gone very well as there is a sense of spontaneity – which pupils don’t realize. It gives you a chance to experiment although it is rare that these types of lessons are successful.  

A successful lesson I have taught recently was for ESL. The lesson was on the subject of ‘Honesty’ and focused on speaking. I had lots of different activities planned and had even gone as far as writing instructions for students in my lesson plan. If this lesson was not plan ned to the extent it was it would not have been so successful. The planning allowed me to carefully source together relevant activities and set clear aims and learning objectives. This lesson was so successful that after reflection on the lesson I was able to render any problems and continue to use it with added activities and methodologies.

A lesson which was not very successful was a lesson focusing on revision and exam focus. I had not planned anything and there was to much teacher talking time. The resources were not sufficient enough and students seemed very disinterested and demotivated.