A lesson frame is an instructional tool that represents the beginning and end of a lesson, clearly outlining what students are expected to learn and how they will demonstrate that learning. It serves as a clear roadmap for both the teacher and the students, ensuring focus and clarity throughout the learning process.
The core components of a lesson frame, as referenced, are:
- Learning Objective: Found at the beginning of the lesson.
- Closing question, product, or task: Found at the end of the lesson.
Key Components of a Lesson Frame
Understanding the individual parts helps grasp the function of the whole. Each component plays a vital role in framing the learning experience.
The Beginning: The Learning Objective
The learning objective sets the stage for the lesson. As stated in the reference, it:
- States what the student is expected to learn, today.
This objective should be clear, concise, and student-friendly, often starting with phrases like "I can..." or "Students will be able to...". It tells students exactly what knowledge or skill they should acquire by the end of the lesson.
Examples of Learning Objectives:
- Students will be able to identify the main idea of a non-fiction text.
- I can solve linear equations with one variable.
- Students will understand the process of photosynthesis.
The End: The Closing Question, Product, or Task
The closing component provides the necessary closure to the lesson and allows students to show what they've learned. The reference highlights that it:
- Clearly states how the student will show understanding of the objective of the day.
This is where students apply or summarize their learning. It could be answering a specific question, creating a product (like a short paragraph or diagram), or completing a task that directly relates back to the learning objective.
Examples of Closing Components:
- Question: On an exit ticket, explain in your own words the main idea of the text we read today.
- Product: Create a small diagram illustrating the steps of photosynthesis.
- Task: Solve the two linear equations provided on the worksheet.
Structure of a Lesson Frame
Lesson frames provide a simple, yet effective, structure for daily instruction. They ensure that the lesson has a defined purpose (the objective) and a clear measure of success (the closing task).
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Component | Function | When it Appears |
|---|---|---|
| Learning Objective | States what students will learn today. | Beginning |
| Closing Question/Product/Task | Shows how students will demonstrate learning. | End |
By making these two elements explicit and visible, educators can help students understand the purpose of the lesson and how their learning will be assessed.
Why Use Lesson Frames?
Lesson frames benefit both teachers and students by:
- Providing clarity on learning goals.
- Focusing instruction and activities.
- Making assessment criteria transparent.
- Helping students track their own learning progress.
They act as a scaffold, guiding the learning journey from start to finish.
