How to Write Success Criteria in Lesson Plan
Writing success criteria in a lesson plan is a crucial step in ensuring that the objectives of the lesson are clear and achievable. Success criteria act as guidelines for both the teacher and the students, helping to define what constitutes success in a particular lesson. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to effectively write success criteria in a lesson plan.
Understanding the Purpose of Success Criteria
Before diving into the process of writing success criteria, it is important to understand their purpose. Success criteria help to:
1. Set clear expectations for students regarding what they need to achieve in the lesson.
2. Provide a framework for evaluating student performance and progress.
3. Guide instructional strategies and differentiate instruction when needed.
4. Enhance student engagement and motivation by focusing on specific goals.
Identifying Key Objectives
The first step in writing success criteria is to identify the key objectives of the lesson. These objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). By focusing on SMART objectives, you can create success criteria that are both realistic and motivating for students.
Creating Success Criteria
Once you have identified the key objectives, you can begin to create success criteria. Here are some tips for writing effective success criteria:
1. Be Specific: Clearly define what success looks like. For example, instead of saying “understand the main idea of the story,” specify “quote the main idea of the story and explain how it relates to the overall theme.”
2. Use Action Words: Include action verbs that describe the skills or knowledge students should demonstrate. For instance, “demonstrate,” “explain,” “compare,” and “analyze” are all useful action words.
3. Consider Differentiation: Recognize that students may have varying levels of understanding and abilities. Include success criteria that cater to different learning styles and abilities, such as visual, auditory, and kinesthetic.
4. Be Measurable: Ensure that the success criteria can be objectively measured. For example, instead of saying “be creative,” specify “create a drawing that represents the main characters and setting of the story.”
5. Include Criteria for Different Levels of Achievement: Offer a range of criteria that correspond to different levels of achievement, such as basic, proficient, and advanced.
6. Review and Revise: Regularly review and revise the success criteria to ensure they remain relevant and aligned with the lesson objectives.
Example of Success Criteria
Consider the following example for a lesson on the scientific method:
– Objective: Students will understand the steps of the scientific method and apply them to a simple experiment.
– Success Criteria:
– Basic: List the steps of the scientific method and explain each step in their own words.
– Proficient: Describe the purpose of each step of the scientific method and provide an example from a real experiment.
– Advanced: Design an experiment based on a real-world problem, explain the steps of the scientific method as they apply to the experiment, and present the results in a clear and concise manner.
Conclusion
Writing success criteria in a lesson plan is an essential task that can significantly impact the effectiveness of instruction. By following these guidelines and considering the specific needs of your students, you can create success criteria that promote achievement, engagement, and growth. Remember to regularly review and revise your success criteria to ensure they remain aligned with your lesson objectives and the needs of your students.
