What is the first step to creating a lesson plan?

Determining the learning objectives is recognized as the essential first step in crafting a lesson plan because it defines the specific knowledge and skills that students are expected to acquire by the end of the lesson. Learning objectives provide a clear focus for both the instructor and the students, guiding the content, activities, assessments, and teaching methods that will be employed throughout the lesson. By establishing these objectives at the outset, the instructor is able to align all aspects of the lesson with the desired outcomes, ensuring that the learning experience is coherent and purposeful.

In contrast, while designing assessment tools, creating a syllabus, and selecting teaching materials are all important components of a comprehensive lesson plan, they logically follow the identification of learning objectives. They are contingent on those objectives, as assessments are created to measure whether the objectives have been met, syllabi often outline the progression towards those goals, and teaching materials should be chosen to effectively facilitate the attainment of the objectives set forth.