Session structure

You can minimise the opportunity for challenging behaviours by taking the focus away from you when you deliver your sessions. The easiest way to do this is to use the DAFNE lesson plans, which include small group activities and active learning opportunities.

Teaching tip

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Transcript

FIONA
Here's something for you to think about.
SUE
Good.
FIONA
We all want to avoid lecturing and probably want to be a bit sparkly and charming
SUE
We all present differently.
FIONA
We don't have to deliver a session in exactly the same way that we've observed someone else delivering that session.
SUE
Just as well, because we all use different explanations, illustrations, and resources and activities.
FIONA
But we do have to make sure that we cover all the session content and make sure that the learners achieve their learning outcomes. And we have to do that keeping the group running in the right direction, keeping the DAFNE philosophy and protecting everyone in the group. And you need one of these. A structure can help you to do this. And the standard lesson plans are structured in this way so they can help you to deliver your sessions.
SUE
It's important to ask lots of open questions, to be non-judgemental, but to keep to the content of that particular session.
FIONA
Absolutely. Just stick to the plan and be professional.
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Activity 8: Planning

Timing: 20 minutes

Review a lesson plan for a session you are going to deliver. Consider these questions and make notes in your training handbook.

  1. What happens in the beginning, middle and end of the lesson plan?
  2. How are parts of the session linked together?
  3. Is the session linked to other parts of the curriculum?
  4. What changes, if any, might you consider making to the lesson plan?

Comment

The DAFNE lesson plans allow you to:

  • Introduce each session clearly so that participants know what to expect and how long it will take.
  • Ask the group to contribute their experience on the topic and value their contributions.
  • Provide information necessary for the group to meet the learning outcomes. Don’t overburden the group with unnecessary information. Always ask yourself: ‘Do they need to know this to meet the learning outcome?’
  • Include small group activities or work in pairs rather than full group discussions or a lot of educator talk.
  • Be clear about the activity. Include an example of what they are going to do.
  • Break the session into 20-minute segments, with summaries before the next activity. Keep the group busy.
  • Ask the group to reflect on what they have learned and relate it to real life. Ask them: ‘How will this make a difference?’
  • Summarise the session.

The OzDAFNE facilitator numeracy supplement

General guidance for session delivery