Learning plans and teaching notes

LEARNING PLANS & TEACHING NOTES

WIDS Workshop

Lisa BanksRobert Benard

Learning Plans

A learning plan links core abilities, competencies, and learning objectives with learning activities and performance assessments. In other words, a learning plan links what learners will learn to do with how they will learn and when they will know they have achieved learning.

Top Ten Questions Teachers Hate to Hear

1. How could I fail? I wasn’t here.2. Will this be on the test?3. What do I need to pass this class?4. What chapter are we on?5. Are we doing anything important today?6. Is this going to be graded?7. When am I ever going to use this?8. Do I have to write this down?9. Can I do extra credit?10. (Immediately after taking test) Do you know my grade yet?

Learning plans should help answer some of these questions!

Learning Plans (the learning cycle)When considering activities that are part

of learning plans, we should consider the learning cycle.

Learning Plans (the learning cycle)Stage 1 – MotivationIn the motivation stage, teachers and trainers need to

do the following: Facilitate the attention process. Inspire individuals to learn. Answer the question, “Why do I need or want to

learn this material?”

Learning Plans (the learning cycle)Stage 2 – ComprehensionIn the comprehension stage, learners process content in

their working memories. Teachers and trainers facilitate this process by teaching necessary information learners need to perform the target skill.

At the beginning of this stage, learners integrate why they need to learn from their experience in the motivation stage with a clear understanding of what they will learn.

With a clear understanding of what they will learn and why they should learn it, individuals are ready to learn the content embedded in the competency.

Learning Plans (the learning cycle)Stage 3 – PracticeIn the practice stage, learners practice learned

information. It is recommended that this stage begins with demonstration and then the instructors role is to guide learners as they practice.

Learning Plans (the learning cycle)Stage 4 - ApplicationIn the application stage, learners apply what they have

learned to real world problems. Teachers and trainers play a secondary role, as a coach, while learners play an active role.

Teaching Notes

Teaching notes are to assist an instructor with necessary details for activities within a plan. Teaching notes normally would not be shared with students.