Out of Order!

After reading about the Linear-Rational Model of instructional planning, I think I have a more clear picture of how planning should go.

Before reading, I knew that in the process of planning I would need to generate goals, objectives, activities, assessments and evaluations. When I am subbing for teachers, I always see their lesson plans and how they are put together in sequential order of goals, objectives, activities and evaluation.

What I did not think about, and what makes a lot of sense after reading, is that creating the evaluation should come earlier in the planning process. It does not need to always be the last part of the process.

By working on the evaluation earlier, I can set the course for what I want to accomplish during my lessons (activities) and what I want the students to learn (goals and objectives).

I will try this when designing my Unit Plan.

There were a few things I felt were missing, however, from the Linear-Rational Model.

To improve the picture, I would add in pre-assessments before formulating goals. This way the teacher can take into account all of the different learning styles in their classroom. By doing this, the teacher will have a better understanding of how to possibly differentiate their goals and objectives for students who are struggling, average as well as gifted and talented.

I would also add in any methods used to fulfill activities in the lesson.

Finally, I would also add a box labeling what a teacher would use as motivators for before and during instruction. A teacher needs to be able to motivate if they want any chance of reaching their students.