Module 5
Lesson plan format is something that is often sacred to a teacher. My district offers lesson planning software through Infinite Campus; however, teachers are not required to use this. Most teachers at my school have created a lesson plan format in Microsoft Word or Publisher that works for the individual needs of their class. This is how I prepare my lessons. One teacher on my team has taught for 26 years and continues to hand write lesson plans in the traditional lesson plan book, which she purchases each year at the local teacher supply store. On several occasions I have shared my lesson plan format with her, and discussed the benefits I have found in creating lesson plans electronically. Although she says that she realizes the benefits of electronic lesson plans, she continues to hand write hers and says that this is how she has always done it, and that it works for her. One thing she does not like about using a program to create plans is the fact that you must have access to a computer to work on plans. She feels that she can have her plan book with her at any time and quickly make notes in her plan book without having to log on to a computer, open a program, make her notes, then save and close the program.
Driscoll (2005) explains the first step in Keller’s ARCS theory of motivation is to gain the “A” attention of the learner. I have already established this in this situation by showing the teacher advantages of creating electronic lesson plans. Keller’s “R” refers to relevance. This teacher does not see the relevance in changing from one lesson plan format to another. The “C” in Keller’s ARCS is where I feel this teacher is lacking: confidence. In order build confidence in this individual, I can offer to create lesson plans together. I can show her how I created the format to meet my schedule and the needs of my students and help her to create a format that will meet her specific needs. I can work with her over a course of several weeks until she feels confident creating electronic lesson plans. Finally, Keller’s “S” focuses on satisfaction. After the confidence has been built, I (and administration) can praise encourage her efforts while reiterating the benefits of creating lesson plans electronically.
Driscoll, M. P. (2005). Psychology of learning for instruction (3rd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.
Hi Beth,
ReplyDeleteYou give a good example of using Keller’s ARCS theory of motivation theory. I hope the teacher on your team never loses her planning book. I can especially appreciate the support you lend in helping the teacher design a lesson plan template that meets her specific needs. It sounds like the teacher has to, “buy-in”, to the relevance of keeping electronic plans. I hope your efforts prove to be beneficial.
Vaughn
Hello Beth,
ReplyDeleteI have used a few lesson plan formats during my years of teaching. I currently use the lesson plan format that the school district requires. This lesson plan is a form in Microsoft Word. I like to create my lesson plans using a computer because I can print a copy to use during the week; administration can review it during classroom observations; and I can email it to my department chair. However, a few years back my school required to use Web software to create lesson plans, so administrators could see and review the lesson plans of all teachers. I spent two to three hours to create my lesson plans every week. I did not like this fact, and I was happy to change back to the district’s format.
Andres Anzaldua
Beth,
ReplyDeleteExcellent example. This is very similar to my post regarding the staff and their unwillingness to give up the paper file. We had to build the staffs confidence about relying fully on the computer system.
Tabitha
Beth, it sounds like this might be one of those teachers who is 'forced' (by admnistrative mandatory directive) to buy in to technology and creation of electronic lesson plans. She sounds like a teacher I encountered recently while I was coaching her (attempting to anyway...!) on changing a classroom strategy. She politely informed me that 'she's done it this way for 40 years and it has worked, what makes me think she needs to change it now'! Yes, she said that. I politely responded that children change over the years. You are teaching a completely different type of kids than you taught in 1970. We have to change with the types of clients that enter our classrooms.
ReplyDeleteWe have a long road ahead of us as coaches trying to change some of the veteran teachers. Unless innovative administrators 'force' the change, a lot of teachers are going to remain 'stuck' in 20th century instructional practices, leaving even more students behind!