Designing an Effective Lesson

Many models exist for planning lessons. The lesson basics used in Instructional Skills Workshops are sometimes referred to by an acronym, “BOPPPS” and are focused on the following six components:

B - Bridge-in

Begins the learning cycle, gains learner attention, builds motivation, and explains why the lesson is important.

O - Objective or Outcome

Clarifies and specifies the learning intention: clarifies what the learner should know, think, value or do by the end of the lesson, under what conditions and how well.

P - Pre-assessment

Answers the question, “What does the learner already know about the subject of the lesson?”

P - Participatory Learning

This is the body of the lesson, where learners are involved as actively in the learning process as possible. There is an intentional sequence of activities or learning events that will help the learner achieve the specified objective or desired outcome. The lesson may include the use of media.

P - Post-assessment

Formally or informally demonstrates if the learner has reflect briefly and integrate the learning during the closing of the learning cycle.

S - Summary/Closure

Provides an opportunity for the learners to reflect briefly and integrate the learning during the closing of the learning cycle.

		Instructional Skills Workshops ISW International Advisory Committee
The ISW Program is a comprehensive instructor development program that serves as the foundation for several professional development activities. Some members of the Teaching and Learning Centre are able to facilitate these workshops, which help instructors learn about important stages in lesson planning and delivery. To learn more about them, follow the link above or contact Nancy Randall.