From Planning to Practice: A Teacher’s Toolkit

You’ll explore the art and science of lesson design, learning how to balance careful planning with flexibility, incorporate your students’ needs, and create lessons that feel cohesive and impactful.

This course will help novice teachers gain clarity and provide experienced teachers with fresh ideas to enhance their teaching practice.

• Starts: Saturday, 31st May 2025

• Schedule: Saturdays, 14:00 - 16:00 UK time
  

Why should you join this course?

1. Plan lessons that work

You’ll learn how to design lessons that are clear, structured, and tailored to your students’ needs, making every moment in the classroom purposeful and engaging.

2. Balance structure and flexibility

We'll discuss how to plan carefully while staying adaptable, so you can make the most of teachable moments and navigate unexpected challenges.

3. Build creativity into your teaching

Find ways to make your lessons more dynamic by incorporating authentic materials, technology, and creative tasks that keep students motivated.

4. Learn from research and practice

This course brings together evidence-based strategies and practical tools that you can apply immediately in your teaching.

Session dates:

• Session 1: 31st May

• Session 2: 7th June

• Session 3: 14th June

• Session 4: 28th June

• Session 5: 5th July

• Session 6: 12th July

Course Programme

Session 1: Foundations of lesson planning

Date: May 31
Topics:

• The big picture: Curriculum, syllabus, and lesson

• Teacher thinking and decision-making

• Why plan? Planning vs spontaneity

  
  Objective: We will discuss the foundational elements of lesson planning, explore the balance between structure and flexibility, and consider how teachers make decisions during the planning process.

Session 2: Setting effective lesson objectives

Date: June 7
Topics:

• Aims, objectives, goals, and outcomes

• Backward design and formulating lesson aims

• Anticipating problems and solutions

  
  Objective: You will learn to set clear, achievable lesson objectives and plan with purpose, focusing on student needs and preparing for potential challenges.

Session 3: Structuring and sequencing lessons

Date: June 14
Topics:

• Lesson shapes and formats

• Staging and sequencing activities

• Integrating routines and rituals

  
  Objective: We will focus on designing cohesive lesson structures, creating smooth transitions, and establishing consistent routines for effective classroom flow.

Session 4: Adapting and enhancing lesson content

Date: June 28
Topics:

• Using coursebooks effectively

• Incorporating authentic materials and technology

• Exploring online resources and AI tools

  
  Objective: You will discover how to adapt and enhance lesson content to make it more engaging, relevant, and aligned with your students’ needs.

Session 5: Planning for specific skills

Date: July 5
Topics:

• Planning lessons for listening, speaking, reading, and writing

• Integrating skills effectively

• Teaching vocabulary and grammar

  
  Objective: We will explore strategies for planning lessons that target specific skills, ensuring balance and integration within your overall teaching approach.

Session 6: Reflection and Professional Development

Date: July 12
Topics:

• Adaptive expertise and classroom management

• Providing feedback and working with emergent language

• Retrospective planning and evaluation

  
  Objective: We will discuss reflective practices to evaluate and improve your lesson planning and teaching, ensuring continuous professional growth.