Reply: Textbooks for every subject taught in Tennessee's public schools can be found in the Curriculum Library on the third floor of the Walker Library. Look for a textbook in the grade and subject you want to teach. Browse through each chapter and write down potential topic ideas that come to you. Take the list of ideas with you and give them some thought. Weed out the ideas that seem problematic; if a topic idea doesn't seem like a good fit for the lesson you are to teach, that is a good sign to discard it. Spend your time on those that seem as if they might work. Feel free to run the list by the instructor for feedback.
Question: What types of topics work best?
Reply: Look for a problem or issue that is found in the real world. One should be looking for an "intersection," where one's subject area intersects with real life. Ask yourself: Where do people use my subject in the real world?
Question: Why is it taking some time for me to think of a topic?Reply: Many students are not used to making real world connections to their major field of study. Anytime one tries something new, it is natural to struggle a little bit. View the struggling as one of the growing pains one is encountering on his/her way to becoming an effective teacher. Let it be okay.
There is a forumula that usually works. The formula consists of the following steps: (1) Gather information. Look in textbooks to see what is taught at the grade level you have chosen. This is what you will be doing during student teaching. In order for your brain to assist you in selecting a good topic, it needs information. Trying to pull a topic out of thin air is almost impossible and will consume a lot of valuable time. (2) Make a list of potential topics/questions/issues. (3) Plant the correct seed in your mind by asking a good question. Example: Which of these topics would work? (4) Keep a positive attitude as your mind searches for the best answer.
One of the worst things one can do is saboatage your thinking by giving in to negative thoughts. These thoughts will interfere with your mind's mission to find a solution for you.
Question: What are some things to remember when constructing objectives for the lesson?
Reply: The objectives should be specific and measureable. There are several sample lesson plans available for review. Look at them and examine the objectives for each. There are three verbs to avoid when writing objectives because they are too vague. These verbs are: learn, know, and understand.
Question: What is the most common mistake made by students when constructing these lessons for the first time?
Reply: Lack of clarity is the most common problem. Clarity needs to be a main focus in two places. First, the objectives need to be very specific. One needs to know the exact knowledge/skill that he/she wants the students to learn. Second, the problem/issue/scenario needs to be crystal clear. If a problem is to be the focus of the lesson, the problem should be stated in one sentence or question. The best way to assess the clarity of the problem or issue is to write it down and leave it for awhile. Later, come back and examine it, except, this time, view it from the perspective of a student. Imagine seeing it for the first time and that you have to answer or address it. Does it seem clear from that perspective?