10 Non-Negotiables when Planning a Lesson
Each teaching approach has its own guiding principles: the “non-negotiables” that make it work effectively. Below is an overview of what defines strong practice in several well-known approaches.
Concept-Based Learning
A central concept or big idea is clearly stated.
Related concepts and generalisations guide the lesson.
Learners make connections to prior and future learning.
Guiding questions provoke deep thinking.
Students have opportunities to apply concepts in new contexts.
Assessment focuses on conceptual understanding, not just factual recall.
Montessori
A prepared environment with hands-on, self-correcting materials.
A clear learning purpose connected to the child’s developmental stage.
Freedom of choice within structured limits.
Observation notes document each child’s progress.
Time for independent and small-group work.
Minimal direct instruction: the teacher guides rather than tells.
Project-Based Learning (PBL)
A driving question or challenge that is authentic and engaging.
A real-world context or problem to solve.
Defined learning goals and success criteria.
Student voice and choice in the project design and process.
Milestones and checkpoints to track progress.
A public product or presentation at the end.
Traditional Teaching
Clear, measurable learning objectives.
A direct instruction segment with explicit explanations.
Guided practice followed by independent work.
Sequenced content aligned to curriculum standards.
Checks for understanding throughout the lesson.
A formal assessment at the end of the lesson or unit.
Inquiry-Based Learning
A compelling question or problem to investigate.
Opportunities for students to generate their own questions.
Access to resources and tools for exploration.
Facilitated discussions and reflections led by the teacher.
Scaffolded support for research and problem-solving.
Evidence-based conclusions and sharing of findings.
Each of these approaches offers something valuable, and understanding their non-negotiables helps us design learning that’s both intentional and meaningful. Whether you lean toward inquiry, projects, concepts, or a more traditional structure, the key is clarity of purpose and alignment with how students learn best.
🎧 Want to dive deeper into this topic? Tune in to Podcast Episode 4, where we unpack these non-negotiables in more detail, exploring what they look like in practice and how teachers can blend the best of each.
See you soon.
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