🟦 Pedagogical module 2: Week 4 - Anticipating problems

PLANNING LESSONS: WEEK 4

👥 ATTENDANCE: Mandatory for all full-time teachers.

📅 DATE: Tuesday, April 7, 2026 – 2:30 PM

📍 FOCUS: Anticipating problems – strict time management and backup plans.

🔗 RESOURCES (Open in meeting)

- Article: The basics of lesson planning (see the "Flexibility" section)

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/professional-development/teachers/planning-lessons-and-courses/basics-lesson-planning

- Workbook: Planning lessons workbook (download if you haven't already – link on the Module 2 main page)

📋 THE WORKSHOP PLAN (90 Minutes)

0. SETUP & REVIEW (0–10 minutes)

- Choose a facilitator: Must be a NEW person (not the same as Week 1, 2, or 3).

- Facilitator duties: Open resources on the TV. Keep time. Record evidence videos.

- Phone rule: Everyone puts phones away.

- Review: Facilitator asks: "Who adapted a textbook page last week? Show us your photo. Was the 'Teach Back' better than the original task?" Quick check.

1. INPUT: EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED (10–30 minutes)

- Facilitator opens the article on the TV. Read the "Flexibility" section together.

- Key quote to discuss: The article says planning is important, but teachers need to "cope when things go wrong" and "build in some extra and alternative tasks."

- Facilitator writes on the board: "It is minute 50. Your students have NOT finished the vocabulary page. Camera time is at minute 60. What do you do?"

- Teachers discuss in pairs. Each pair writes their answer on a sticky note and puts it on the board.

- Discussion: Most teachers either (a) skip the video, or (b) rush through it badly. BOTH are wrong. The correct answer: CUT something ELSE to protect the video time.

2. WORKSHOP: THE TIME BUDGET & CUT LIST (30–75 minutes)

- The rule: The video recording MUST start at minute 60. This is the JYS Skeleton rule from Week 2. No exceptions.

- Task: Create a "Cut List" – a ranking of what to cut FIRST when you are running out of time.

Step 1: Each teacher writes a typical JYS lesson plan on paper (using the Skeleton from Week 2).

Step 2: Label each activity as "ESSENTIAL" or "CUTTABLE":

- ESSENTIAL (never cut): Vocabulary for the video script, speaking preparation, camera recording.

- CUTTABLE (cut if needed): Extra games, extra writing exercises, extra reading tasks, long warm-ups.

Step 3: Write your personal "Cut List" in priority order (cut the least important thing first).

- Roleplay: The facilitator acts as "The Clock." The facilitator says: "It is now minute 45. You are still on the vocabulary game. GO." Each teacher must quickly explain what they would cut and what they would keep. The group gives feedback.

- Write the final agreed "JYS Cut List Rules" on the whiteboard. Example:

1. Cut extra games first.

2. Cut writing exercises second.

3. NEVER cut speaking preparation.

4. NEVER skip the camera recording.

3. EVIDENCE (75–90 minutes)

✅ REQUIRED EVIDENCE (Zalo)

IN-MEETING VIDEO:

- Task: Record the group explaining their "Cut List" rules while pointing at the whiteboard. Each teacher says one rule.

- Post to: JYS Teacher Training group.

- Caption: "Planning lessons, Week 4. Our JYS Cut List Rules."

- Deadline: Before leaving the room.

HOMEWORK (Final certificate task):

- Task: Download and complete the "What have you learned from making a change?" reflection page (page 12) in the Planning lessons workbook. Write your answers on paper.

- Photo: Take a clear photo of the completed page (make sure text is readable).

- Post to: JYS Teacher Training group (or send directly to Mr. Stass via private Zalo message).

- Deadline: Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (one week after Week 4).

🎓 CERTIFICATE: If you have attended all 4 meetings, submitted all weekly homework, AND submitted this final reflection, you will receive the JYS "Planning Lessons" pedagogical certificate.