A CPD workshop session on the components of a successful lesson.

1. The Anatomy of a Lesson
The eternal question - Is there a best way to teach?
What are the fundamental components of a lesson?
A “lesson” here doesn’t refer to an hour of time
but the time needed to acquire a new piece of
learning.

2. The Anatomy of a Lesson
Finland
One of the best performing countries in terms of
international ranking.
Teachers have a high level of autonomy - no
observations or performance management. No exams
until 18.
It was assumed there would be a lot of variation in
teaching style.
But research by the University of East Anglia found that
almost all lessons followed the same format.
Review, teach, practice, repeat.

3. The Anatomy of a Lesson
Review
Purpose
• To revisit previous learning (recall strengthens
memory)
• To create a hook for new information (where does
it fit in the schema?)
What do you do at the start of a lesson?
Do you check what has been remembered from previous
lessons?
Are you explicit in making links between lessons?

4. The Anatomy of a Lesson
Teach
Purpose
• For pupils to be exposed to something new.
Should we limit “teacher talk”?
How do you deliver new information? Direct instruction?
Discovery learning?

5. The Anatomy of a Lesson
Practice
Purpose
• For pupils to learn the knowledge or skill or to gain
understanding.
• To ensure that they can remember the lesson.
To what extent should practice be differentiated?
How much scaffolding is useful?
What conditions make the most effective practice?

6. The Anatomy of a Lesson
Conclusion
• Teachers in England have been given endless
instructions in how to teach over the last 20 years.
• Much of this instruction is not born out by the
evidence.
• The best education systems in the world seem to
keep it much more simple and focus on the basics.
• When teachers are left to their own devices they all
tend to follow the same basic structure.
Review Teach Practice

7. The Anatomy of the Lesson
Further Reading