Lesson:
BOPPPS Lesson Planning
and The 5E Model
Lesson Planning Models Considered by the PAL Working Group
When planning a lesson, adult educators often think of the THREE GENERAL PARTS OF A LESSON: the opening/warm-up, the main lesson section, and the wrap-up/closing.
The PAL working group took a look at a variety of lesson planning models that elaborate on the above basic sections with an eye to good pedagogy, an adult-centric approach to delivering the lesson, and a planning process that made room for differentiated instruction.
The PAL working group looked at the following lesson planning/instructional models so they could see what may work best in an LBS context:
THE LESSON PLANNING MODEL OF CHOICE FOR THE PAL WORKING GROUP...
The BOPPPS Lesson Planning Model was unanimously favoured by the working group as each member felt that it was geared to adult learning, while also spotlighting outcomes in a way that would be appealing to adult learners within LBS programs.
The 5E Model instructional approach was the clear runner up due to its focus on engagement and critical thinking. It was a model that could easily be applied to assessing digital tools in a way that builds a number of skills.
A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON THE BOPPPS LESSON PLANNING MODEL...
Check out the Western University BOPPPS Infographic (licensed as CC-BY-SA).
The BOPPPS model—a Canadian initiative— is a foundational piece of the Instructional Skills Workshop Network and is shared by numerous Centres for Teaching and Learning in Canadian colleges and universities; however, it is easily applicable to community-based, school board and college academic upgrading LBS programs, as it is learner focused and ideal for adult learning.
EXPLORE THIS ENGAGING INFOGRAPHIC created by staff at Western University that details the BOPPPS lesson planning approach.
Here is WHY the BOPPPS Lesson Planning Model was a favourite of the PAL Working Group
Here is WHY the BOPPPS Lesson Planning Model was a favourite of the PAL Working Group
“Lesson planning with the BOPPPS model resonates for me because it emphasizes the importance of engaging students and makes them more receptive. It’s an objective-driven approach, and ensures that both teachers and students are clear about what is expected to be achieved.”
—Leila Naderi, LBS Practitioner, PTP
Much like this BOPPPS model, the typical lesson that I usually plan flows in the same manner and takes into account the order and purpose of activities and tasks.
—Smita Parpani, LBS Practictioner, TDSB
"The BOPPPS approach to planning pays more attention to figuring out what adults already know, making them actively participate, and checking if they learned what they were supposed to. It is an adaptable, learner-centered approach (which includes pre- and post-assessment) that aligns with the OALCF Framework."
—Georgina Smith, LBS Practitioner
I like how it explicitly mentions what's in it for the learners, because in order for them to stay focused or have engagement, they have to think, 'Okay, well, what's the real-world application of this?'
— Joe Spencer, LBS Practitioner, OCSB
The BOPPPS approach gets even my low-level learners to think about HOW they're learning, not only about getting information and content.
—John Stackhouse, LBS Practitioner, The Literacy Group
TAKE A LOOK at how we envisioned the BOPPPS Model could be used by LBS Practitioners:
Whether delivering your lesson face-to-face or online, the BOPPPS model can act as a helpful guide / reminder as to what the practitioner is aiming to achieve in the lesson AND what the LBS learners are also doing during the lesson...
Below also provides some TIPS on how a practitioner might handle each stage of the BOPPPS lesson plan and gives EXAMPLES of how to incorporate digital tools and practices that strengthen learning and hone multiple skills.
TRY OUT the PAL Lesson Planning Companion based on the BOPPPS Model
It's a handy template you may choose to use—either as a quick reminder OR a detailed planning companion—as you consider engaging your learners while integrating technology in a purposeful manner.
TAKE A QUICK LOOK at another adult-centric model the PAL working group found to be useful for exploring and considering the purpose of digital tools:
THE 5E MODEL
The 5E Model was developed in 1987 by the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study.* Rooted in constructivist tenets it promotes collaborative, active learning in which students work together to solve problems and investigate new concepts by asking questions, observing, analyzing, and drawing conclusions.
Flexible beyond its scientific application to learning, the hands-on, experience-focused spirit of the model lends itself well to active learning and discovery. Quite handy as well for playing with and interrogating digital tools.
CHECK OUT the example below of how Joe used the 5E Model to help adult learners work with, explore and assess Google Flights...
Joe Spencer from the Ottawa Catholic School Board (OCSB)
"I appreciate the 5E planning model because of its simplicity and it correlates with how I teach. It allows me to build a foundational knowledge with learners and then proceed at the speed learners require.
I utilized this process recently when teaching my introductory to computers class how to use Google Flights."
A SAMPLE LESSON PLAN JOE DELIVERED...
When teaching my Introduction to Computers class on how to use Google Flights, the 5E Model was ideal tool!
ENGAGE: Introduce the purpose of the digital tool
Google Flights allows you to book and view different deals across multiple airlines.
EXPLORE: Demonstrate how the digital tool can be beneficial
This can be great for finding the cheapest or quickest flight to a destination.
EXPLAIN: Instruct learners on how to use the basic functions of the digital tool
Learners will practice using the calendar and reading the basic features of Google Flights, such as returns, departures, one way travel vs round trips, dates, and the number of passengers.
ELABORATE: After building a foundational knowledge with learners, introduce more complicated features of the digital tool
Learners will learn how to utilize the more complicated features, such as multi-city trips, and will discuss how the algorithm impacts costs.
EVALUATE: Have learners participate in an activity to demonstrate their understanding (ex: replicate, find and seek tasks, etc).
A find and seek activity such as getting to various locations on certain days and indicating the prices.
The 5E model is ideal for meaningfully exploring new digital tools.