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“How To” Create a Lesson Plan
A Basic Guide for Effective Instruction
The following eight steps will help you organize, develop, and implement lesson plans for your UN 100
Freshman Seminar courses. Instructors should understand that these are general guidelines, and adapt
lesson plans to suit their needs.
1. Goals and Objectives
Establish what outcomes you would like for your students. After the presentation students will…
Example:
After taking part in the liberal studies presentation, students (with 100% accuracy) will
be able to select all liberal studies courses as they relate to degree completion
requirements at NMU.
2. Anticipatory Set
Briefly remind students of what they have already covered/learned in relation to new material. Establish
how that relates to new material. Tell them what new material will be presented.
Example:
Draw upon their course registration experience during summer orientation as a
reference point for moving forward to discuss the course selection process for
subsequent semesters. How was the orientation experience different than high school?
How did it prepare them for choosing their courses for this next semester?
3. Direct Instruction
Detail how the new information will be presented to students.
Example:
Using PowerPoint software, the instructor will review liberal studies requirements as
they relate to course selection and degree completion requirements at NMU. Provide
liberal studies listings handouts for reference, and show the students where this
information is available in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
4. Guided Practice
Give the students a chance to apply the concepts presented during direct instruction. The instructor will
supervise this process.
Example:
Ask your students to compile a list of 10 courses they would like to take next semester.
(You could build in requirements like: one division 4 liberal studies course, one world
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cultures course from any division, one major course, etc.) Then ask that they have a
peer review their choices for accuracy.
5. Closure
Discuss how the new information has broader meaning and utility.
Example:
Provide students with their course registration date/time. Explain how they can use the
recent assignment as a guideline for when they are meeting with their assigned
academic adviser to choose courses for the next semester. Take some time for
questions and to clear up any confusion.
6. Independent Practice
Provide an opportunity for your students to demonstrate mastery of the material. Ask them to expand
beyond what was completed during guided practice.
Example:
Students will plan their course choices for the next 3-4 semesters of enrollment at NMU.
This will include liberal studies courses as well as courses in the major/minor. They
should use your handouts and the Undergraduate Bulletin.
7. Time Frame/Required Materials
How much time is needed to complete the lesson? What materials are needed to present the lesson and
have the students complete their work?
Examples:
One full class period? Will you need a projector? Laptop? Handouts? Do you need to
make copies?
8. Assessment and Follow-Up
Assessment and follow-up are the final components in your lesson plan. A good assessment tool allows
you to measure the effectiveness of your lesson in reaching your stated goals and objectives. The goal of
follow-up is to evaluate the assessment outcomes, and to refine future lesson plans (if needed).
Assessments: Quizzes? Tests? Discussions? Demonstrations? Presentations?