Training In-service teachers in designing Online Lesson Plans using Instructional techniques based on learning theories

Abstract

This study draws on the authors’ first-hand experience of the pilot study focused on
delivering a 6 weeks online training programme on ‘Designing lesson plans’ in an
online mode education for in-service teachers to improve their teaching competencies.
The study aimed to evaluate the lesson plans designed by the participants using the
innovative instructional elements based on the combined ideas and principles of three
learning theories- behaviourism, cognitivism and constructivism in an online teaching
learning process. Twenty-six Indian school teachers participated in the study. The
data was collected using the mixed method- both quantitative and qualitative. The
Demographic profile of the participants was collected through the Google Form. A
focused group interview form was used to determine the teachers’ perception of writing
lesson plans in online teaching and possible concerns and needs while teaching. A self
developed 16-item, 3-point rating scale was used to evaluate the online lesson plans
drafted by the participants both at the pre- and post-training programme to determine
the overall impact of the online training programme. Against this backdrop, the study
presents the findings of the in-service training programme conducted to improve the
competencies of the teachers in designing lesson plans using the combined ideas of the
three learning theories in an online learning environment in school education and its
relevance in implementing NEP 2020.