The Teaching Process
Four steps and matching method to objective
The teaching process has four steps: preparation, presentation, application, and review and evaluation. Preparation means writing measurable objectives, researching and organizing content, selecting materials and methods, and weighing the learner's background and readiness. Presentation delivers the material clearly, using explanation and demonstration. Application is where the learner practices under supervision while the instructor coaches and corrects. Review and evaluation summarizes, measures against the objective, and decides whether to reteach or advance.
Methods include lecture (efficient for knowledge, weak for skill), guided discussion (draws on learner experience, requires prepared lead-off and follow-up questions), demonstration-performance, drill and practice, cooperative or group learning, problem-based learning, and computer or self-study. Demonstration-performance runs explanation, demonstration, learner performance, instructor supervision, then evaluation.
A good lesson plan is organized, unified, simple, flexible, and built on the objective, with instructor actions, learner actions, and completion standards.
Traps: ordering the four steps, since application is not evaluation, and picking the "best" method. Method follows the objective and the learner's level, not instructor preference.
Worked example: an objective stating "the learner will perform a before-takeoff checklist" cannot be met by lecture alone. Rule of thumb: if the objective contains a verb the learner must do, the lesson must contain learner doing, with supervision before judgment.