Learner Centered Lesson Plan

Checklist for Developing
Learner-Centered Lesson Plans


Developing a learner-centered lesson plan from start to finish involves several phases.   The following list provides a summary of key steps:


When planning the design for this lesson plan:
    ⇨ Conduct a Learning Needs and Resources Assessment to understand the interests, concerns and strengths of participants, educators, and experts
    ⇨ Use the 7 Steps of Planning


When developing the lesson plan:
    ⇨ Include these 4 steps:
    1. start with learners’ personal experience
    2. give new content
    3. let learners use the new content here and now
    4. let learners connect this content to something outside the class
    ⇨ Incorporate RISE principles (Respect, Immediacy, Safety, and Engagement)
    ⇨ Begin with a warm welcome
    ⇨ Use at least one open question after introducing each piece of content
    ⇨ Use pairs or small groups to involve all the learners
    ⇨ Address different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)
    ⇨ Include affective as well as psychomotor and cognitive elements (learning with the emotions as well as muscles and mind)
    ⇨ Include take-home learning activities where appropriate


When developing the lesson plan, also:
    ⇨ Provide information in dialogue rather than ask participants what you already know
    ⇨ Match the amount of material with the amount of time
    ⇨ Keep it simple
    ⇨ Make it fun!!


When testing the lesson plan:
    ⇨ Test the design with groups of participants
    ⇨ Observe the class, and ensure participants spend at least 50% of the time talking (with each other as well as with the teacher) and doing the activities
    ⇨ Use comments from educators and participants to improve the design


When formatting the lesson plan, include:
    ⇨ An introductory page describing WHO, WHY, WHEN/WHERE, WHAT FOR, and WHAT
    ⇨ Sections describing “materials needed” and ”steps for getting ready to teach the...