Running Head: DOMAIN D LITERATURE REVIEW, SHEEDY 1

Domain D Literature Review

Mekala Sheedy-Atkinson

TED 690

National University
DOMAIN D LITERATURE REVIEW 2

Abstract

This paper will focus on the importance of California Teaching Performance Expectations

Domain D: planning instruction and designing learning experiences for students. It will dissect

the article Instructional Pacing: How do Your Lessons Flow? In this review the seven steps that

the article indicates are important for planning the pacing of a lesson will be explained.
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Domain D Literature Review

According to the California Teaching Performance Expectations it is important for

teachers to meet Domain D: planning instruction and designing learning experiences for

students. This is vital for teachers to do because it means that they understand how to plan

curriculum based on the state-adopted standards (Commission on Teaching Credentialing, 2013).

While planning teachers need to able to consider the role curriculum, state standards, and

students have. One of the important aspects of planning instruction is pacing. According to the

article Instructional Pacing: How do Your Lessons Flow? pacing is one of the greatest

challenges for new teachers (Alber, 2012).

Pacing is how a lesson flows through the varies parts of the lesson. Transitions, direct

instruction, group work, individual work, etc. are all factors in the pacing of a lesson. It is

extremely important to pace a lesson out correctly, so it goes smoothly. It is also important to

remember that not every lesson is going to have this seamlessly planned pacing because that is

not reality. As a teacher we need to do our best to know and understand our students and

curriculum to best pace a lesson for each class.

In the article there are seven steps that should be considered when planning instruction.

The first step is create a sense of urgency. This does not mean that you need to rush the students

but there should be a time limit on each activity so that way it can keep the students and teacher

on track. The second step is to make goals clear. It is very important for students to know exactly

what they should be doing in order to accomplish it and not lose track of the goal. The third step

is have smooth transitions. This is vital because if there is wait time between activities then the

students will get off topic and distracted. If possible make sure to have everything set up for the

next activity while the students are finishing the one they are currently on. The fourth step is be
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sure materials are ready. This means that everything should be copied, cut, and ready to go. The

fifth step is present instruction visually. It is vital to make sure that the students can visual

written down instructions. This will give them something to follow and go back to while they do

the activity. The sixth step is check for understanding. Make sure to allow for some time to

access the students understanding while planning out the pacing guide. The seventh and final

step is choose the most effective type of teaching (Alber, 2012). This step is very important

because it is going to dictate how much time you will need for the activity while planning your

pacing guide. If you are playing a game you need time to set up and clean up where as if the

students are writing a paragraph the set up and clean up time will be minimal. Depending on how

you present the information will have a huge impact on the pacing of the lesson.

While trying to plan out a pacing guide for a lesson it is important to take into

consideration these seven steps. If you follow them then you should have a well-paced lesson.

Remember that no lesson is perfect so if you run long in some parts and short in others that is

okay. Try and make note of that for next time.

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References

Alber, R. (2012). Instructional Pacing: How do Your Lessons Flow? Retrieved April 29, 2019,

from https://www.edutopia.org/blog/instructional-pacing-tips-rebecca-alber.

California Teaching Performance Expectations. (2013, March). Retrieved April 29, 2019, from

https://www.ctc.ca.gov/docs/default-source/educator-prep/standards/adopted-tpes-

2013.pdf.