Course curriculum

    1. Lesson Overview

    2. Download Course Pack for Fundamentals of Lesson Planning

    3. Getting to know your students - 1

    4. Getting to know your students: English Learners

    5. Getting to know your students: SPED

    6. Getting to know your students: Underserved Students

    7. Classroom Demonstration: Getting to Know Your Students

    1. Lesson Overview

    2. Planning and Preparing for a Lesson

    3. Academic Standards

    4. Learning Objectives - 1

    5. Learning Objectives - 2

    6. Class Demonstration: Planning and Preparing for the Lesson

    1. Lesson Overview

    2. Anticipatory Set

    3. Classroom Demonstration: Anticipatory Set

    1. Lesson Overview

    2. Gradual Release Direct Instruction

    3. Gradual Release Direct Instruction - 2

    4. Gradual Release Direct Instruction - 3

    5. Gradual Release Direct Instruction -4

    6. Gradual Release Direct Instruction - 5

    7. Classroom Demonstration: Release of Direct Instruction

    1. Lesson Overview

    2. Assessing Student Learning - Part 1

    3. Assessing Student Learning - Part 2

    4. Assessing Student Learning - Part 3

    5. Assessing Student Learning - Part 4

    6. Assessing Student Learning - Part 5

    7. Assessment: Rubrics - Part 1

    8. Assessment: Rubrics - Part 2

    9. Classroom Demonstration: Assessing Student Learning

    1. Lesson Overview

    2. Differentiation

    3. Differentiation - Part 2

    4. Differentiation - Part 3

    5. Classroom Demonstration: Differentiation Explanation

    6. Recommended Resources

    7. Course Evaluation

About this course

  • $29.99
  • 3 hours of video content
Craft engaging lessons for your students.

The Fundamentals of Lesson Planning is designed for teachers, instructional aides, and tutors who desire to learn more about planning, creating, and teaching lessons.This course will provide new and intermediate level educators with insights to consider when planning for and creating a lesson plan which encourages student engagement and checking for understanding while accommodating for the needs of all learners.

This course is designed to introduce you to the foundations of lesson planning and explore qualities required for teacher effectiveness. This course includes an active overview of the lesson planning process through a step by step process of each element of a lesson: learning objectives, introduction of the lesson, presentation of course content, checking for understanding through informal and formal assessment, creating a healthy and safe learning environment, and introductory support strategies for students with special needs (e.g. English Language Learners, Special Ed, Gifted and Talented).


This course is part of the Foundations of Educational Training series. This teaching series is made possible through a generous grant from The Minchin Family Foundation.

At the end of this course, learners will be able to:

  • Develop a lesson plan based on the academic content for the grade level of their choice.

  • Identify the relationship between student learning, engagement, and assessment.

  • Describe the educational characteristics of a student who is an English learner and provide possible accommodations/modifications.

  • Illustrate possible techniques you could incorporate into your teaching to benefit students with learning disabilities

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How long will it take for me to complete this course?

    Each lesson is designed to take approximately 2-4 hours, depending on how deeply you engage the reflection and discussion questions. Since this is a self-paced course, the time it will take you to complete it will depend on the speed with which you want to progress through the course.

  • Will I be able to interact with the professor(s) during the course?

    Since this course is designed as a self-paced experience, you will not have any interaction with the professor during the course.

  • Will I need to purchase any additional materials?

    No. The course contains everything you need to successfully complete the course. There are resources recommended at the end of the course that you’re free to purchase if you wish to pursue further study on the course topics.

Course Author

Director of Secondary Education Dennis Eastman

Dr. Dennis Eastman spent 15 years serving in multiple roles in the field of education (Social Studies teacher, coach, Athletic Director and Director of Faculty Induction) before becoming the principal of Nova Academy Early College High School, in Santa Ana, California. During his tenure as principal, U.S. News and World Report recognized Nova Academy with a Bronze Medal ranking as one of the most improved schools in California. Dr. Eastman is currently serving Biola University as the Director of Secondary Education where he is able to combine his faith, expertise and enthusiasm for teaching and coaching into preparing the next generation of high quality educators. Over the past ten years, he has also travelled extensively internationally with the goal of working alongside administrators and faculty in local schools to create inclusive, active, and effective learning strategies for all students. Dr. Eastman's research agenda has focused on equipping teachers in student motivation, program design, creating an environment of attempt for all learners and preparing teachers in international settings.

About the Provider

School of Education |
Biola University

Biola University's School of Education exists to train up those who desire to make an impact as educators in classrooms, administration buildings, homeschools, the mission field and beyond. Our wide selection of rigorous, biblically centered academic offerings — ranging from undergraduate and graduate programs to teaching credentials and certificates, as well as K–12 as well as homeschool education through our Eight-Week Clinic Courses for grades 1 through 6 — makes the School of Education the premier institution for advancing your knowledge in the field of education.

Whether you’re an aspiring teacher, an experienced educator or current teacher looking to advance in your career, our unique blend of academic excellence and thoughtful mentorship will be sure to guide you to your goals. Throughout your studies, you’ll benefit from engaging with our fully doctored, full-time faculty and different learning opportunities available to you through our strong relationships in the field, making your journey at the School of Education one full of meaning, growth and impact.
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