Planning a class involves structuring the time effectively to ensure students are engaged and able to meet the learning objectives. A well-organized class can include activities at the beginning, during, and at the end to enhance learning and foster a productive environment.

1. PLANNING A CLASS
THE APPETIZER
Planning what you teach means organizing each class in a structured and logical way. The lesson
plan should describe how the class will unfold and should remain flexible. The instructor should
be able to adapt to the situation while taking account of the needs and requests of students.
The goal of each class is to make students hungry to
learn. The instructor should start with an appetizer that
whets their appetite, then undertake a variety of
activities so that there is something for every taste. The
class should end in a way that leaves no one hungry.
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The beginning of the class
During this phase, the instructor introduces what is to be
learned during the class by placing it in context.
This phase helps:
spark student interest
and attention
initiate student
engagement
students understand
class expectations
During the class
During this phase, the students engage in various different
activities that allow them to acquire what is to be learned.
This phase helps:
students understand
concepts
students develop skills
and knowledge
support student
motivation
The end of the class
During this phase, students’ awareness of what has been
learned in the class is heightened.
This phase helps:
students develop
metacognition
make students aware of
what they have learned
students transfer
what they have learned
THE MAIN COURSE THE DESSERT
Structure content, choose methods and
activities, select resources and materials,
give instructions, manage the class,
provide feedback, include breaks
Welcome students, assess prior
knowledge, summarize the last class,
present learning objectives, introduce
the topic, spark curiosity
Summarize what has been covered in the class,
review what has been learned, do assessments,
have students do self-evaluations, provide a lead-up
to the next class, thank students for attending
It is important to make students active partners during each learning phase so that they can
make the most of the class and increase their chances of achieving the learning objectives.
Franck Herling
Learning and Teaching Innovation Center