Instructional planning is an essential component for educators at all levels. Most schools require teachers to formulate lesson plans for all content areas and many times require teachers to attend workshops devoted to planning. A Design-Plan-Act (DPA) system is one of several planning models which helps facilitate the creation of lesson plans. The following summarizes the three elements of the DPA plan:
· Design: The design phase includes evaluating the overall content and sequence in the instructional unit. To me this would be equivalent to the whole picture, the final goal we wish to accomplish in our class. In the design phase a teacher will plan what must be done to accomplish the learning objective(s). Once I decide what needs to be done to accomplish my goal(s), I need to develop a technique to deliver information to my class or the “plan.”
· Plan: The plan includes daily lesson plans which will be used to deliver the goal or lesson. The plan differs from the act phase in that the plan will be used to define which objectives will be covered for each lesson. The plan is the most detailed phase because it covers identifying objectives and standards that will be covered, which learning strategies will be used, and which assessment methods will be employed.
· Act: The act phase refers to developing an action plan for each day that will be used to deliver the information to students. This phase may include a lesson plan “to-do” list so that daily classroom activities are organized and run effortlessly.
The use of an instructional planning system is advisable when integrating technology into the classroom. It provides a framework to help design, create, evaluate, and revise instruction. Although I don’t utilize a formal instructional planning system to create lesson plans or to integrate technology into my classes, after reading this chapter, I realize that my method of planning is similar. My philosophy is that if I am prepared and have a detailed list of what needs to be covered and what technology I will use to deliver information each time I meet with my students, students will receive the optimal learning experience. My organization and preparation for class is the beginning of an effective teaching style.