Lesson framing is a teaching strategy that sets the stage for learning by clearly outlining the lesson's purpose and expected outcomes. It provides students with a roadmap of what they will be doing and learning, and what they will be able to achieve by the lesson's end. Think of it as creating a mental framework for the learning experience.
Key Components of Lesson Framing:
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What students will be doing/learning: This clearly communicates the activities and content covered in the lesson. It sets expectations and allows students to mentally prepare for the learning process. Examples include: "Today, we will be exploring the causes of the American Revolution through primary source analysis." or "We will be practicing solving quadratic equations using the quadratic formula."
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What students will be able to do with that knowledge: This focuses on the skills and understanding students will gain. This demonstrates the practical application of the learned material. For example, "By the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify three key causes of the American Revolution and explain their significance." or "You will be able to correctly solve quadratic equations and apply this skill to word problems."
The lesson frame encompasses both the beginning and end of the lesson, providing a clear beginning and end point to the learning journey. It helps students connect the "what" to the "why," making learning more purposeful and engaging.
Effective lesson framing enhances student comprehension and retention by:
- Increasing engagement: Students are more likely to participate when they understand the lesson's purpose and relevance.
- Improving focus: A clear structure helps students stay on track and avoid distractions.
- Boosting motivation: Knowing the expected outcomes motivates students to strive for success.
Examples of Lesson Framing in Practice:
- Start with a "hook": Begin the lesson with an intriguing question, real-world problem, or anecdote to capture students' attention.
- State learning objectives clearly: Use student-friendly language to explain what students will learn.
- Outline lesson activities: Describe the activities students will be engaged in, step-by-step.
- Connect to prior knowledge: Relate the new information to what students already know.
- Explain the relevance: Show how the lesson connects to their lives or future learning.
- Summarize key takeaways: End the lesson with a review of the main points.
