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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