A Lesson Planning Companion
for LBS Practitioners


What is PAL?

This Planning a Lesson website — PAL for short — is a lesson planning companion that's a little like a conversation with a teaching peer—a peer who has already thought about planning engaging lessons that flow. 

The ideas and materials in this digital space stem from thoughtful questions, robust discussions and the collaborative efforts of the PAL working group. Thus, PAL is a space to engage with the insights from front-line Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) practitioners just like you, and to garner some handy tips. PAL could  also be used as a place to return to for inspiration or to spark discussions around learner-centred approaches and strategies with LBS colleagues.

Who's PAL for?

PAL is for Literacy and Basic Skills (LBS) practitioners who seek to plan engaging lessons that help hone learner skills  by purposefully integrating technology for better learning. 

Whether program delivery is fully online, face-to-face with online components, or via a hybrid format, there's something here for those practitioners looking to actively engage learners as they enhance digital delivery with purposeful planning for learning.


LBS educators and tutors may find that the PAL site can also be an engaging space for reflection and a useful springboard for discussions with colleagues and peers.

The PAL site is a LESSON PLANNING COMPANION created by practitioners for practitioners!

What can PAL be for YOU?

A NEW WAY
TO LOOK AT LESSON PLANNING



AN OPPORTUNITY
TO REFLECT ON YOUR PRACTICE



A SPACE FOR FRONT-LINE INSIGHTS, TIPS AND RESOURCES


How do you navigate PAL?  

View this mini PAL site orientation video below to learn about the key pieces of this planning companion and how to make the site your  PAL for your  purposes.

Three Planning Stages

Now that you've got the PAL basicsLET'S EXPLORE the three planning stages! 

1. PRE-LESSON

Anticipating various challenges

Challenges to lesson flow present themselves before the lesson even begins. Technology issues and day-to-day class logistics can impact a lesson.

Let's consider the most common pre-lesson challenges that can become bottlenecks to flow and try to turn them into learning opportunities!


2. THE LESSON

Planning for learning and lesson flow

Skills are honed not only through discrete tasks, but through active learning strategies and lesson components that build upon each other for connections to be made. 

Let's take a look at planning a lesson where adult learners work with digital tools and and each other by way of activities that are purposefully planned! 


3. POST-LESSON

Taking the learning beyond the class session

Taking the learning and newly acquired digital skills into the real world, post-lesson, is a way for adult learners to solidify their learning.

Let's explore some simple ways to encourage learners to think about their digital wins and reflect on how to apply their new skills beyond the LBS classroom in a meaningful way!