NCJ Number
172035
Journal
Law Enforcement Trainer Volume: 12 Issue: 6 Dated: (November/December 1997) Pages: 24-27
Date Published
1997
Length
4 pages
Annotation
A well-crafted lesson plan serves as a blueprint for instruction, a learning aid for students, a basis for testing, and a legal document to protect against unwarranted claims of vicarious liability.
Abstract
Once an instructor has determined the training topic, a lesson plan begins with a stated learning goal. Learning objectives tell the instructor what is to be taught, and the students what they are expected to learn, and on what and how the students will be tested. Looking ahead to how the instructor plans to test students helps determine what to put in the curriculum. When designing learning objectives, the meaning of the words should be measurable. The curriculum outline should follow the learning objectives. Any conditions or performance standards listed in the learning objectives should be included in the testing process. Additional considerations that can improve the lesson plan and instruction include giving consideration to the background and experiences of the students. Lesson plans should also take into account instructional style. Adult learners respond best to participative instruction that recognizes and builds on the knowledge they already have. If an instructor is teaching areas of police work that involve high liability, consideration should be given to having lesson plans approved, prior to instruction, by the legal advisor, training commander, or similar authority. An example of a simple lesson plan is provided.