Job Discussion Forums

shrewsyj · Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 22 Location: Wales

I'm currently applying for summer camp positions and they would like to know how long I would spend planning a 2-hour lesson. I'm currently doing CELTA training so obviously spending a lot longer on lesson planning than I would on a day-to-day basis and I really don't know what to say as to how long I would spend!
As a rough guide, how long would you say you'd spend on a plan for a 2-hour lesson?

Thanks

Anda · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 2199 Location: Jiangsu Province

Your question is a bit funny. Most of us working in ESL teach the same lesson for the whole week as we only see each class once a week.

I can spend four to six hours or more on preparing one lesson. I can also use an old lesson or download something off the internet from sites I use and presto I have a lesson.

In other words it is up to you how long you spend. Keep in mind but that you only improve as a teacher by the amount of time you spend preparing your lessons and the effort that you put into your teaching. And yes your students can pick what you are doing easily. If they see effort from you then they like you a lot better. Guess how you get enjoyment out of this game!

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

naturegirl321 · Joined: 04 May 2003 Posts: 9041 Location: home sweet home

Depends on your lesson. For example, We did a three days project, (3, 45 min lessons). I simply thought of the idea. created a rubric and voila. Took me about 20 minutes.

Other times you might spend hours, making games, worksheets, etc.

spiral78 · Joined: 05 Apr 2004 Posts: 11534 Location: On a Short Leash

I agree that the question is flawed. It really depends on the topic of the lesson and how you approach it - and that varies depending on who your students are.

I think the best answer may sound flippant 'as long as it takes.'

Maybe better: "As long as it takes to do a good job of it."

shrewsyj · Joined: 02 Jan 2008 Posts: 22 Location: Wales

cheers all! good answer spiral, i think i'll put that Smile

Justin Trullinger · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 2:13 pm Post subject:

coledavis · Joined: 21 Jun 2003 Posts: 1838

You'll be relieved to know that preparation won't be as time-consuming as on your course; with the exception of occasional observed classes, you'll not be having to make very detailed lesson plans and you probably won't have to make as many of your own course materials. Also, you just get quicker at preparing, although this does differ according to individual habits.

Some classes can be prepared simply by 'going by the book'. You still need to check the course book to see which materials and exercises are suitable and which need adapting to meet your style (which you'll develop) and your students' learning needs (which you'll get to know). Then you supplement 'the book' with relevant additional materials and by revising things that your students are showing that they haven't fully grasped yet. This sort of preparation can take between 5 and 20 minutes. I'd be inclined to give yourself 20 minutes per hour taught, and then add a few hours per week, especially as you'll still occasionally create your own materials, do admin etc. So, if you're doing 25 hours a week, then maybe you need to work 40 hours or so altogether.

But initially, it'll take longer...

JakeJakeJake · Joined: 13 Nov 2007 Posts: 135

shrews......

are you a town fan? im guessing youre a salopian with that name?