Unit 1: Good learning and good learning objectives

This is the first unit of a sequence. Together, the units provide a detailed overview of how to plan lessons successfully.

The key purpose of this first unit is to provide participants with an understanding of the centrality of the learning process to planning a lesson. For this reason, attention is paid to the learning theory that underpins the pedagogy.

Participants are introduced to some simple elements of neuroscience that will help them to understand why it is important to structure lessons in ways that support pupils’ learning.

Participants will:

• understand more about how the brain works, in relation to learning to help them in thinking through what is happening for the pupil. Specifically, they will learn about Cognitive Load Theory and why it matters.
• understand what makes for a successful learning objective – one that is focused on the learning rather than the activity. Specifically, they will understand that a question is often more powerful than a long, detailed description of the lesson. 
• understand how they can use key vocabulary as a tool to help plan the learning
• understand the centrality of Rosenshine’s Ten Principles as a basis for lesson planning and teaching.

• Lesson planning overview
• Introduction to the neuroscience
• Cognition and memory
• Putting learning at the centre
• Defining the learning objective