Integrating Motivational and Instructional Strategies

Abstract

Blueprints are an essential part of construction. A contractor would not even consider the possibility of initiating the construction of a building without first having a detailed set of blueprints. The blueprints describe the specific ways in which all of the components, or subsystems such as electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and framing, are designed and will be constructed and interconnected. Similarly, a lesson plan contains descriptions of the objectives, content, instructional tactics, and materials that are required to develop, or shall we say “construct,” a lesson. However, unlike the contractor, it is not uncommon for instructors to list a few key ideas and launch into a lesson without having worked out all the details. Depending on the instructor’s skill and experience, the lesson might be “okay,” but it is unlikely to be as effective as it would be with detailed planning. A good set of lesson plans is especially beneficial when beginning to teach a new course instead of preparing a single lesson.