Mastering TPACK in Lesson Planning

My groupmate and I have worked diligently to synthesize and apply everything we've learned in our class. This post provides an in-depth look at our collaborative efforts and the thought processes behind our project - the culmination of our learning journey through an intricately designed lesson plan.

Discover the detailed lesson plan we crafted below, showcasing our understanding and practical application of the course material.

Below is the supplementary slide deck that complements our lesson plan, providing visual aids and additional resources for a more engaging learning experience.

We understand that lesson planning should be deliberately made. This would imply that every lesson in the classroom must have a structure so that students will know what to expect each day. The 7E model starts with an elicit and engagement phase to kick off the lesson by preparing students for the learning process. The teacher's role at this stage is to spark interest and activate students' prior knowledge, setting the stage for new learning. If a teacher jumps directly into the lesson proper, there might be instances where learners are not ready intellectually or haven't fully adapted to the learning environment—they might be distracted or otherwise unprepared. Therefore, the teacher should have an engaging 'hook' to capture students' attention right at the start.

The next three phases of the 7E model—explore, explain, and elaborate—are crucial for developing the lesson itself. Different strategies can be employed to teach the material, ensuring the approach is student-centered, with the teacher acting as a facilitator. We believe that during these phases, students should take the lead in their own learning, with the teacher providing support and guidance as needed. For instance, during the explore phase, students might conduct experiments or investigations, during the explain phase, they might present their findings, and during the elaborate phase, they might apply what they've learned to new situations.

The final two phases—extend and evaluate—focus on the application and assessment of knowledge. Extend involves students applying theories to real-life scenarios, enhancing their understanding through practical use. Evaluate involves students reflecting on and assessing their own understanding of the lesson. This self-assessment helps them identify areas of strength and areas needing improvement. Importantly, the 7E model is not confined to the four walls of the classroom; it can be applied in various contexts, promoting lifelong learning skills.

We realize that sometimes, the plan doesn’t always follow through as expected due to various factors that can redirect the learning process. For example, a planned activity might take longer than anticipated, or unexpected technical issues could arise. Additionally, differentiation may be necessary to address the diverse needs of learners, or there might be interruptions that require the teacher to adjust the lesson on the fly. There is a saying, "Teaching is like flying an airplane while building it," which highlights the dynamic and adaptable nature of teaching.

A plan is a guide, not a strict script. It's there to help the teacher structure the lesson but must remain flexible to accommodate real-time changes. If some students are struggling with a concept, the teacher might need to pause and provide additional support. If an unexpected topic captures the students' interest, it might be worth exploring that avenue further, even if it deviates from the original plan. Overall, good teaching means balancing structure with flexibility, ensuring that the lesson remains engaging and effective despite any unforeseen challenges.