MariaGaliaud
The Key to Effective Teaching
Teaching is not just about delivering content—it is about engaging students, sparking curiosity, and ensuring meaningful learning experiences. No matter how experienced a teacher is or how many times they have taught a particular session, preparation remains essential. A well-prepared teacher fosters better student engagement, deeper understanding, and a more structured learning environment.
The Importance of Preparation
Each class is unique. Students have different learning needs, prior knowledge, and engagement levels. Simply relying on past experiences without deliberate preparation can lead to an unproductive session. Every lesson should be planned with purpose, clarity, and adaptability to ensure that learning objectives are met effectively.
The See-Do-Get Cycle in Lesson Preparation
A structured approach to lesson planning involves the See-Do-Get cycle:
1. See: Reflect on the previous session. What went well? What challenges did students face? Were learning objectives met?
2. Do: Based on these reflections, prepare the next session accordingly. Address gaps in understanding, incorporate different teaching strategies, and ensure a smooth transition from the previous lesson.
3. Get: Implement the session and observe the outcomes. Are students responding well? Are they engaged? The results of this session can be used to prepare for the next session.
By following this cycle, teachers create a continuous improvement loop, ensuring that each lesson builds effectively on the previous one.
Seek Feedback for Growth
Preparation is not just about personal reflection; external feedback plays a crucial role in refining teaching methods. A mentor, peer, or senior educator can provide valuable insights on lesson plans.
Discuss your session plan with a trusted colleague or mentor.
Listen actively to feedback. Does it align with your teaching style? Does it make sense for your students?
Modify your plan if the feedback resonates with you and enhances the session’s effectiveness.
Feedback helps uncover blind spots, introduces new strategies, and strengthens a teacher’s ability to deliver impactful lessons.
Reflect After Every Session
Post-session reflection is just as important as preparation. Take time to assess:
What worked well?
What didn’t go as planned?
How did students respond?
What changes are needed for the next session?
This ongoing practice ensures continuous professional growth, leading to more effective and dynamic teaching.
Conclusion
No matter how many years of experience a teacher has, coming prepared is a must. Teaching is an evolving process that requires reflection, planning, feedback, and refinement. By following the See-Do-Get cycle, seeking constructive feedback, and reflecting after each session, educators can create a more engaging and effective learning environment for their students.
Preparation is not just a responsibility—it is the foundation of great teaching.
Maria Galiaud
Educator
