To consider the qualities of interaction in a lesson
Aim
To consider the qualities of interaction in a lesson, by reflecting on differences between a lesson plan and the lesson as actually taught.
Evidence and reflection
First, you will need to produce a full lesson plan, setting out your educational objectives and teaching strategies.
Then you need to teach the lesson, and collect some evidence about it. Having gathered some data, take stock of it and produce a clear description of what happened.
The third stage is more analytical:
On two sheets of blank paper, draw two copies of the basic four-quadrant framework (the skeleton without the writing).
On your first copy: rework the lesson plan, by placing the key events you intended in the appropriate quadrant.
On your second copy: rework your lesson description (or evaluation), by placing the key events as they actually happened in the appropriate quadrant.
Consider the differences between your two versions: What might these indicate to you about the dilemmas faced by teachers and the struggle for control over learning which takes place in classrooms?
Extension
How would you evaluate you findings? What strategies might you develop to shift pupils' initiative into a 'higher' quadrant?
