Lesson Plan
Express Yourself Effectively
Improve student-teacher communication
In this lesson, students will learn and practice strategies for effective communication with their teachers. They will engage in an activity that helps them articulate their questions, concerns, and needs in a professional manner. This lesson is important as it helps build confidence, clarity, and respect in communication, which are essential skills for academic and personal success.
Audience
9th and 10th Graders
Time
35 minutes
Approach
Materials
Whiteboard and markers, Index cards, Printed role-play scenarios, Discussion questions, Worksheet, and Exit slip
Step 1
Introduction
5 minutes
- Greet the students and introduce the objective of the lesson: improving communication with teachers.
- Discuss the importance of clear and professional communication in both academic and personal contexts.
- Briefly explain the activities planned for the class.
Step 2
Discussion
10 minutes
- Lead a class discussion using the prepared discussion questions.
- Encourage students to share their experiences or challenges in communicating with teachers.
- Guide the discussion towards identifying common barriers and effective communication strategies.
- Provide examples of effective communication, such as:
- "I need an extension on this project because I've been dealing with personal issues. Can we discuss a new deadline?"
- "I didn't quite understand the homework assignment. Could you please clarify what is expected?"
- "I received a grade that I don't fully agree with. Could we go over the assignment together to understand where I can improve?"
- "I'm struggling with this subject and would like some extra help. When would be a good time to meet for additional tutoring?"
- "I will be absent next week due to a family event. Can we discuss make-up work?"
- Share tips for effective communication with teachers such as:
- Be respectful and polite.
- Prepare what you want to say beforehand.
- Be specific and clear about your needs or concerns.
- Listen actively and show that you value the teacher's responses.
- Follow up if necessary, summarizing the conversation or next steps in an email.
Step 3
Role-Play Activity
15 minutes
- Divide students into pairs and distribute role-play scenarios.
- Instruct pairs to take turns acting as the student and the teacher in each scenario.
- After each role-play, ask pairs to discuss what went well and what could be improved.
- Circulate the room to observe and provide feedback.
Step 4
Worksheet
5 minutes
- Hand out the worksheet and ask students to reflect on the role-play activity.
- Have them write down one strategy they found effective and one area they want to improve in their communication with teachers.
Step 5
Exit Slip
5 minutes
- Distribute the exit slip and instruct students to answer the questions.
- Collect the exit slips to gain insight into student understanding and reflections.
Step 6
Closure
5 minutes
- Recap the key points learned during the lesson.
- Encourage students to apply the strategies discussed in their daily interactions with teachers.
- Answer any remaining questions and thank students for their participation.
Discussion
Communication Skills Discussion
A guided discussion on student experiences and challenges in communicating with teachers.
What challenges have you faced when trying to communicate with a teacher?
Encourage students to share specific examples. Introduce the concept of 'communication barriers.'
What strategies can you use to articulate your questions or concerns more clearly?
Discuss the importance of being specific, clear, and respectful. Provide examples of effective communication, such as:
- "I need an extension on this project because I've been dealing with personal issues. Can we discuss a new deadline?"
- "I didn't quite understand the homework assignment. Could you please clarify what is expected?"
- "I received a grade that I don't fully agree with. Could we go over the assignment together to understand where I can improve?"
- "I'm struggling with this subject and would like some extra help. When would be a good time to meet for additional tutoring?"
- "I will be absent next week due to a family event. Can we discuss make-up work?"
- Share tips for effective communication with teachers such as:
- Be respectful and polite.
- Prepare what you want to say beforehand.
- Be specific and clear about your needs or concerns.
- Listen actively and show that you value the teacher's responses.
- Follow up if necessary, summarizing the conversation or next steps in an email.
Worksheet
Reflection Worksheet
A short reflection exercise to help students consolidate their learning from the role-play activity.
Describe one communication strategy that you found effective during the role-play activity.
Think about what made the communication clear and effective.
Identify one area where you think you need to improve in your communication with teachers.
Consider feedback you received or challenges you faced during the role-play.
Quiz
Exit Slip: Communication
Worksheet
Role-Play Scenarios
Scenarios for students to practice effective communication with teachers.
Scenario 1: You need an extension on a project due to personal reasons.
Scenario 2: You didn't understand the homework assignment and need clarification.
Scenario 3: You disagree with a grade you received and want to discuss it with the teacher.
Scenario 4: You need to ask for extra help in a subject you're struggling with.
Scenario 5: You have to inform the teacher about an upcoming absence and ask about make-up work.