Lesson Design Professional Development Options

Providing professional development on lesson design can be quite fruitful for teachers. Lesson design is a deliberate practice where teachers plan on a macro and micro level, meaning they zoom in and out to ensure all lessons are aligned and thorough. The skill of designing lessons can be hard to master, but consistent practice builds a habit. The habit produces multiple strategies and protocols teachers can insert into any lesson, no matter the content area. This means, although it takes a while to design an aspect of instruction, it can be reused in the future, making the length of time worth spending. When teachers design lessons effectively, students achieve at higher rates. This means both the teacher and student increase their knowledge and skill capacity.

Because lesson design is an intricate process to master, providing ongoing learning opportunities will help strengthen the skill. Instead of leading a learning workshop on the topic multiple times throughout the year, it is best to offer varied learning opportunities to keep the learning fresh and interesting.

This post will outline multiple ways to provide professional development to teachers on lesson design.

Light Options

There are ways to introduce the concept of lesson design without causing overwhelm to teachers. The following options expose teachers to new ideas in easy to digest pieces:

• Newsletters– Have a dedicated space on your weekly newsletter brief that highlights instructional best practices with tips for how to successfully implement them in the classroom. You can do a series of related topics each month or quarter. You may choose to also hang these newsletters in high traffic areas for teachers to be reminded.
• Podcast Pre-Work– While teachers are commuting to work or cleaning their classroom, they can listen to specific episodes you have hand picked related to lesson design. Providing a quick homework assignment for teachers to turn in after listening, is a way to get the discussion started with this instructional focus.
• Blog Post Reading– Select 1-3 blog posts related to lesson design (like these here), and have teachers compare and contrast their reading. This again gets their wheels spinning about an important topic before coming together to discuss implementation strategies.
• Book Excerpts– Similar to blog post reading, select excerpts from a book (like chapter 2 of this book) related to lesson design to have teachers read. Providing comprehension or reflection questions help the new information begin to percolate in their minds.

Medium Options

Once teachers are primed with an overview of lesson design, they are ready to learn more at a deeper level followed by applying their learning.

• Mini Lesson– There are four main concepts, referred to as bricks, of lesson design. Providing a targeted PD session for each brick, followed by planning for implementation allows all the key points to be collected, reflected and applied.
• Coaching Menu– Design a menu of learning options for teachers in regards to lesson design. Items could be completed individually or as a group. Also, teachers can select as many of the opportunities as they’d like. Each task will have it’s own due date and instructions so be sure to be clear where to locate that information. This builds in choice to the learning experience, increasing the likelihood teachers engage at high levels.
• PD on Demand – Provide mini training to teachers where they can learn on their own and at their own pace. Simply provide the materials and check back a week or so later to discuss implementation and share feedback. A range of topics can be provided to strengthen that specific portion of the lesson design process. Browse options here.

Heavy Options

As teachers begin applying lesson design practices more consistently, its time to fine tune them in a personalized way.

• Book Club– Building in some ownership into the learning experience, allow teachers to read a common text (like this one) and meet regularly to discuss their findings, connections, and plans for execution. It is highly suggested to provide an outline for meetings and/or chapter-by-chapter questions to aid in high level discussion.
• Coaching Cycle– Working 1:1 with teachers allows them to have the most personalized, thorough support. Conducting a coaching cycle that includes a pre-observation, observation, and post-observation debrief will ensure teachers maximize the benefits of lesson design. Teachers can engage in multiple coaching cycles until they reach the highest level of effectiveness.

Key Points to Discuss

Regardless of whether you decide to implement light or heavy PD options for staff, it is important to cover the essential key points of lesson design. For example:

• Standard and content alignment
• Backwards design
• Check for understanding
• Differentiation
• Gradual release
• High value + high meaning
• Pacing
• Technology

To gain more in depth details about strengthening lesson design processes, read my latest book “Teacher Essentials for Classroom and Career Success.”

GO BE GREAT!

About the author, Gretchen

I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.

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