tcss101013

How does one think about starting to make lessons? Few experiences with a variety of lesson plan formats (vs. discussion) Not many teachers make lesson plans Field experiences are the heart of it: think of it as going to the gym, training in a way of thinking/seeing Best way to spend time? How can I best spend my time to prepare for student teaching? How does one write a lesson plan if the activity is more mundane (reading aloud with students)? How does one break up a text (if not by pages)? What do I pack for planning a unit? Thinking about planning a unit: Let me get as close to what the professor wants vs. develop the skills to break down a big set of info/skills into small teachable things called lessons (something that many of us already do to organize our lives). Being able to break down what you already know, can't assume that students know as we do: it's not about the format, but about making it accessible to students Pedagogical content knowledgel: breaking down the steps that will lead to the result, and explain the ways you do it.

Start with the task you want students to be able to do; break it down into the WHAT and the HOW (what are the steps to getting there, and how do you as an expert, think about completing those steps--explain to students).