Question 1

In lesson plans, developmental activities:

Accepted Answer

Developmental activities in lesson plans typically expand on the introductory activities, helping to deepen understanding and develop skills related to the lesson's objectives.

Question 2

Provide definitions for the following elements of a program: rationale; content; evaluation.

Accepted Answer

-A rationale is the explanation for why a topic is being included.
-The content is the themes or issues, or specific knowledge, concepts, skills and values.
-Evaluation is the methods used to assess student achievements and make evaluative judgments about the teaching and about the curriculum materials used.

Question 3

In the first stage in the backward design model to unit planning there are four filters. 'Determining the extent to which the idea, topic or process offer potential to engage students' is:

Accepted Answer

D

Question 4

When planning for the diverse abilities of students teachers would not:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring prescribed textbooks are clear and accessible is more about accommodating specific needs rather than planning for diverse abilities. Planning for diverse abilities involves using a variety of teaching methods and resources (A, C, D) to cater to different learning styles and levels.

Question 5

Within unit plans, instructional objectives:

Accepted Answer

Instructional objectives are statements of intent about anticipated changes in learners.

Question 6

The first stage in the backward design model to unit planning is to:

Accepted Answer

The first stage in the backward design model is to identify the desired results or learning outcomes. This involves clarifying what students should know and be able to do by the end of the unit. Once the desired results have been identified, the next stages involve planning learning experiences and instruction, determining acceptable evidence, and planning assessment and evaluation.

Question 7

What is the main difference between the backward design approach to unit planning and the traditional approach?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is the main difference between the...

Question 8

Within unit plans, it is important that the planning of assessment:

Accepted Answer

The answer of Within unit plans, it is important that...

Question 9

The most important requirement to be an effective planner is:

Accepted Answer

Intellectual work is the most important requirement for being an effective planner. This refers to the ability to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information in order to make informed decisions and create effective plans. While appropriate documents and support from peers can be helpful, they are not as essential as having strong critical thinking skills. Fixed, immutable rules can actually be a hindrance to effective planning, as they may prevent planners from adapting to new information or changing circumstances.

Question 10

Explain why planning involves reconciling different goals and priorities.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Explain why planning involves reconciling different goals...

Question 11

Decisions about what is best for a particular group of students are best made by:

Accepted Answer

While involving students in decision-making can be important, ultimately the teacher is the one who knows the individual needs, strengths, and challenges of their students the best. School leaders and departmental officials may not have the same level of insight into the individual needs of each student in a particular class. Therefore, the teacher is best positioned to make decisions about what is best for their students.

Question 12

An important guideline when planning the 'learning experiences' element of a program is to ensure:

Accepted Answer

Ensuring that the strategies selected encourage active learning promotes engagement and retention, making it more likely that the learners will achieve the objectives set for the program. While the other options are important considerations as well, they are not as directly related to the effectiveness of the learning experiences.

Question 13

What is a unit plan and what are the key elements it must contain? Using a topic of your choice, explain the steps you would use in a conventional approach (i.e. not a backward design approach) to planning a unit of work on that topic.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is a unit plan and what...

Question 14

The use of units in planning is recommended because units:

Accepted Answer

Units provide students with an overarching focus that helps them make connections between individual lessons and understand how they fit into a larger context. This can enhance their understanding and retention of the material.

Question 15

Is the following statement True or False? 'Questionnaires, checklists, interviews and observation records are examples of strategies that should be considered when selecting and sequencing learning activities in unit plans.'

Accepted Answer

('Questionnaires, checklists, interviews and observation records are examples of strategies that should be considered when selecting assessment strategies in unit plans.')

Question 16

The backward design model to planning units (Wiggins and McTighe, 2005) has proven popular with teachers because it:

Accepted Answer

The backward design model connects with the current focus on standards, which is why it has become popular with teachers. It involves starting with the intended learning outcomes and then designing instruction and assessment that will lead to those outcomes, rather than prioritizing student interests or preferred teaching strategies. While it may take more time upfront to plan using this model, it can ultimately result in more effective and efficient teaching.

Question 17

Critical reflection as a part of planning is important because it enables teachers to:

Accepted Answer

Critical reflection allows teachers to examine their beliefs and values and how they impact their planning. By clarifying and expressing what they stand for, teachers can ensure that their planning aligns with their goals for teaching and learning. It does not involve assuming blame or critiquing the planning of others, and while critical feedback to students is important, it is not the primary focus of critical reflection in planning.

Question 18

One reason that lesson plans are important is that they enable each teacher to:

Accepted Answer

Lesson plans allow teachers to have a clear idea of the purpose of the lesson, which is essential for effective teaching. This helps the teacher to stay on track and ensures that the lesson achieves its objectives. While it's true that lesson plans can also help with teaching unfamiliar material, continuing work from previous lessons, and repeating the lesson the following year, the primary purpose of lesson plans is to help teachers structure and organize their teaching for effective learning outcomes.

Question 19

Having devised a unit plan, experienced teachers will:

Accepted Answer

Experienced teachers will modify their teaching depending on the ways students respond, this will help them cater for students and ensure the success of the learning objective.

Question 20

A program is:

Accepted Answer

A program is typically a teacher's overarching plan for a subject or course, which can include lesson plans and a syllabus, but also incorporates the teacher's own interpretations and approaches to teaching the material. A program often extends beyond a short-term planning period of 2-6 weeks.

Quiz 7: Planning and Preparing for Teaching