In some schools there seem to be some rules teachers feel they need to follow. No one knows where these lesson planning myths came from, no that’s not strictly true. There is a tendency for inexperienced or unconfident school leaders to follow “What do Ofsted want to see?” advise from consultants. To combat this Ofsted now have a Myth Busting page. With the new inspection framework, the importance of grading lessons has decreased and the pressure to deliver a lesson in a specific way should be reduced. So here are some lesson planning myths that you have permission to break.
Lesson Planning Myths
- All students are required to be quiet during work.
- No fidgeting is allowed.
- The teacher must stand at the front.
- You must use the interactive whiteboard.
- If there is laughing there is no learning occurring
- Lesson structure must consist of Starter, activity, plenary.
- There must be working wall displays up.
- You must not smile until Christmas (NQTs only)
- Only Robin Williams is allowed to stand on the table (actually health & safety best get down)
- There must be a worksheet/book entry to mark
- Everyone needs to answer a question verbally
- Cutting and sticking is a legitimate learning outcome
- Students must line up before entering class
- Seating plans are not to be altered
- You must incorporate learning styles (VAK)
- If it is world book day you must dress up.
What are the lesson planning myths in your school? Please add your thoughts to the comments section.
Each teacher of the same year level must follow the same lesson plan at the same time of day.
Only the teacher will ask questions.
The teacher will call upon somebody who obviously doesn’t know or isn’t listening to answer to maximize potential humiliation.
If students haven’t ‘got it’ during the lesson time they will remain in class during lunch time until the material is regurgitated.
(Just a few to start!)
Let it all out Norah!