Writing Effective Lesson Plans: The 5-Star Approach,   ISBN:9780205511495

Customer Rating: 

I came across this title as I was doing some research for my graduate studies. I wish that I had this book when I was doing my student teaching years ago! This is an excellent guide for creating effective lesson plans, and I like the fact that it combines both theory and hands-on activities. The 5-star approach here comprises lesson description, goals and objectives, materials and tools, procedures, and reflective assessment and evaluation.

The chapters are as follows:
Ch. 1: Structure and Stages of Development -covers the basics in terms of preparation, development, implementation of instructional methodologies, and reflection, and sequencing lesson components.
Ch. 2: Lesson Description - provides an overview of the 5-star approach, how to provide a description of the lesson (date, subject, topic, grade) and practice sheets.
Ch. 3: Goals and Objectives - how to write goals and objectives. Stresses the need for objectives to be tangible.
Ch. 4: Materials and Tools - includes technology applications such as word processor, video, e-mail, web browser, audio and projection. Handouts and manipulatives are also covered, and ideas on designing an elementary and secondary classroom.
Ch. 5: Procedure - types of procedures, activities, strategies, fieldwork, homework/extension activities, etc.
Ch. 6: Reflective Assessment and Evaluation - student-teacher-parent conference, learning assessment and revision, testing, authentic assessment & evaluation, and metacognition.
Ch. 7: Time Efficiency in Teaching and Learning - how to time lesson activities, time management and lesson variables, time for self-directed learning, etc.
Ch. 8 : Knowledge Construction and Skill Development - organizing, structuring, and modeling in education.
Ch. 9: Course and Lesson: Strategic and Tactical Planning - provides an algorithm of a lesson plan
Ch. 10: Implementing the Plan - students' diversity, state standards, balance in a lesson plan, execution,etc.
Ch. 11: Extending the Lesson Plan to Home
Ch. 12: Teacher Professional Competence - five fundamental competences

There are also appendices that include sample lesson plans, and a 5-star lesson plan worksheet, and also a glossary, suggested reading, and index.

Conclusion - this is a handy and practical resource for novice teachers, but can also be used by experienced teachers looking to refine their lesson plans.

Customer Rating: 

"Writing Effective Lesson Plans: The 5-Star Approach" is a very practical book that provides hands-on activities on lesson construction. The reproducible activity work sheets are a plus. My students just love them. I have used this book in my Internship classes, but it can be used at any level. I like the focus on all learners including the ELL and ESL students. I recommend this book highly for any teacher preparation program. Well prepared lesson plans are a recipe for effective teaching. This is one of the best books I have used on the subject of lesson planning.Valuable teaching tool.
Thanks,

Customer Rating: 

I used this book in my Methodology for Second Language Learning class at National University. It is a great book for planning effective lessons not only for the beginning, but for the seasoned teachers as well. I found a lot of useful practical advice and samples there, but I could also get some theoretical background for my planning decisions which I was curious about. This book helps to teach better. It is sound, well written, clear and very useful for all educators. I highly recommend it!
Milla Hill