TheLessonOrganizerRoutine

The Content Enhancement Series

Adrian Jung, Ph.D.
CSU, Fullerton

Guidebooksinthe
ContentEnhancementSeries
Routines for planning and leading learning
Course Organizer Routine
Unit Organizer Routine
Lesson Organizer Routine

Lesson Overhead # 2

Purpose
The Lesson Organizer Routine helps
students to:
Consolidate the main idea of the content into a
paraphrase.
See how the various parts of the content fit
together.
Relate the content to their background
knowledge.
Lesson Overhead # 3

Purpose
The Lesson Organizer Routine helps
students to:
Focus attention on important relationships in the
content.
Remember important strategies needed for
learning.
Record a way to organize information for later
studying and use.
Approach the lesson with a purpose.
Lesson Overhead # 4

SupportingResearch
The Lesson Organizer Routine was studied
in secondary content-area classes (grades
7-12) characterized by diversity.
In each study, teachers learned the Lesson
Organizer Routine easily and student
learning gains were observed by both
teachers and researchers.
Lesson Overhead # 5

SupportingResearch
In each study, students gained an average of
at least 10 to 20 percentage points on tests
or tasks that required students to
demonstrate learning. Teachers continued
using the routine after the studies were
completed.

Lesson Overhead # 6

SupportingResearch
These results were achieved when teachers:
received 2-3 hours of instruction in the routine
had opportunities to discuss the routine with
colleagues
spent the necessary time to plan and use the
routine for more inclusive teaching
taught students how to participate in and use the
routine
used the routine regularly over time
Lesson Overhead # 7

SupportingResearch
In general, the greatest gains were seen in
classes where teachers had the highest
expectations for student learning and were
consistent in their use of the routine over
time.

Lesson Overhead # 8

TheLessonOrganizerTeachingDevice
Is a visual device that:
is used under teacher guidance
focuses attention on critical outcomes
identifies critical content features
prompts elaboration on critical points
helps make relationships concrete

Lesson Overhead # 9

TheLessonOrganizerTeachingDevice
Is a visual device that:
is designed to enhance student
...organization
...understanding
...remembering
...responses
...belief in the value of the content

Lesson Overhead # 10

The Teaching Device: The Lesson Organizer

Lesson Organizer

Relationships

5 Lesson Map

4 UNIT or BACKGROUND DATE:

LESSON TOPIC
is a

bo

NAME:

Task-Related Strategies

ut

6 Challenge Question
7 Self-test Questions

8 Tasks

Lesson Overhead # 11

TheTeachingDevice:TheLessonOrganizer
LessonOrganizer

4 UNITorBACKGROUND

Causes of the Civil War

DATE:

(sectionalism)

was based on

emerged because of
Differences between the areas

Areas of the U.S.

and included

and included

Economic
Differences

became greater with

Political
Differences

Relationships

compare / contrast

NAME:

Ms. Mendez

was influenced by

Events in the U.S.

Leaders across the U.S.

and included

Social
Differences

LESSONTOPIC

Economic Differences

3 TaskRelatedStrategies
self-questioning

is about

5 LessonMap

North

11/21

the

conflicting interests in the way

people made a living. . . . .
between....

and the

West

the

South

6 ChallengeQuestion
7 SelftestQuestions

What are the types of economic differences that appear between groups of people in a community? Can tension exist?

1. What were the economic characteristics of

the three sections?
2. How did the economic similarities and
differences fuel the fires of war?

8 Tasks

1.First half of class, discuss as group the economic

differences.
2. Second half of class, work in groups to answer
the challenge question on page 213 of the text.
Lesson Overhead # 12

TheTeachingDevice:TheLessonOrganizer
LessonOrganizer

4 UNITorBACKGROUND

Causes of the Civil War

DATE:

(sectionalism)

was based on

emerged because of
Differences between the areas

Areas of the U.S.

and included

and included

Economic
Differences

became greater with

Political
Differences

Relationships

compare / contrast

NAME:

Ms. Mendez

was influenced by

Events in the U.S.

Leaders across the U.S.

and included

Social
Differences

LESSONTOPIC

Economic Differences

3 TaskRelatedStrategies
self-questioning

is about

5 LessonMap

North

11/21

the

and the
conflicting interests in the way
people made a living. . . . . between....

West

TheLessonTopic
the

South

Thisinformationhelps
studentsfocusonthemain
ideaofthelesson.Itisusually
6 ChallengeQuestion
oneortwowordslong.
8 Tasks
SelftestQuestions
7

What are the types of economic differences that appear between groups of people in a community? Can tension exist?

1.First half of class, discuss as group the economic

1. What were the economic characteristics of the three
differences.
sections?
2. Second half of class, work in groups to answer
2. How did the economic similarities and
the challenge question on page 213 of the text.
differences fuel the fires of war?
Lesson Overhead # 13

TheTeachingDevice:TheLessonOrganizer
LessonOrganizer

4 UNITorBACKGROUND

Causes of the Civil War

DATE:

(sectionalism)

was based on

emerged because of
Differences between the areas

Areas of the U.S.

and included

and included

Economic
Differences

became greater with

Political
Differences

Relationships

compare / contrast

NAME:

Ms. Mendez

was influenced by

Events in the U.S.

Leaders across the U.S.

and included

Social
Differences

Relationships
LESSONTOPIC

Economic Differences

3 TaskRelatedStrategies
self-questioning

Thisinformationidentifiesthe
mostimportantrelationships
conflicting interests in the way
West
peopletolookforinthecontentof
made a living. . . . .
between....
thelesson.
is about

5 LessonMap

North

11/21

the

and the

the

South

6 ChallengeQuestion
7 SelftestQuestions

What are the types of economic differences that appear between groups of people in a community? Can tension exist?

1. What were the economic characteristics of

the three sections?
2. How did the economic similarities and
differences fuel the fires of war?

8 Tasks

1.First half of class, discuss as group the economic

differences.
2. Second half of class, work in groups to answer
the challenge question on page 213 of the text.
Lesson Overhead # 14

TheTeachingDevice:TheLessonOrganizer
LessonOrganizer

4 UNITorBACKGROUND

Causes of the Civil War

DATE:

(sectionalism)

was based on

emerged because of
Differences between the areas

Areas of the U.S.

and included

and included

Economic
Differences

became greater with

Political
Differences

Relationships

compare / contrast

NAME:

Ms. Mendez

was influenced by

Events in the U.S.

Leaders across the U.S.

and included

Social
Differences

LESSONTOPIC

Economic Differences

3 TaskRelatedStrategies
self-questioning

is about

5 LessonMap
the

conflicting interests in the way

people made a living. . . . .
between....

TaskRelatedStrategies
North

11/21

and the

West

the

South
Thisinformationidentifiesthe
strategiesthatstudentsmight
usetogain,store,orexpress
informationandworkefficiently
6 ChallengeQuestion
8 Tasks
toachievethegoalsofthelesson.
7 SelftestQuestions

What are the types of economic differences that appear between groups of people in a community? Can tension exist?

1. What were the economic characteristics of

the three sections?
2. How did the economic similarities and
differences fuel the fires of war?

1.First half of class, discuss as group the economic

differences.
2. Second half of class, work in groups to answer
the challenge question on page 213 of the text.
Lesson Overhead # 15

TheTeachingDevice:TheLessonOrganizer
LessonOrganizer

4 UNITorBACKGROUND

Causes of the Civil War

DATE:

(sectionalism)

was based on

emerged because of
Differences between the areas

Areas of the U.S.

and included

and included

Economic
Differences

became greater with

Political
Differences

Relationships

compare / contrast

NAME:

Ms. Mendez

was influenced by

Events in the U.S.

Leaders across the U.S.

and included

Social
Differences

LESSONTOPIC

Economic Differences

3 TaskRelatedStrategies
self-questioning

is about

5 LessonMap

North

11/21

the

conflicting interests in the way

people made a living. . . . .
between....

and the

TheUnitorBackground

West

the

South
Thisinformationshows
graphicallyhowthelessonis
relatedtotheunitinwhichitis
6 ChallengeQuestionembedded.

What are the types of economic differences that appear between groups of people in a community? Can tension exist?

7 SelftestQuestions

1. What were the economic characteristics of

the three sections?
2. How did the economic similarities and
differences fuel the fires of war?

8 Tasks

1.First half of class, discuss as group the economic

differences.
2. Second half of class, work in groups to answer
the challenge question on page 213 of the text.
Lesson Overhead # 16

TheTeachingDevice:TheLessonOrganizer
LessonOrganizer

TheLessonMap

4 UNITorBACKGROUND

Causes of the Civil War

DATE:

(sectionalism)

11/21

NAME:

Ms. Mendez

TheLessonMapincludesaparaphraseofthetopic
andshowsthelessoncontentistobeorganized.
Keywordsandrelationshipsareincluded.
was based on

emerged because of

Differences between the areas

Areas of the U.S.

and included

and included

Economic
Differences

became greater with

Political
Differences

Relationships

compare / contrast

Events in the U.S.

Leaders across the U.S.

and included

Social
Differences

LESSONTOPIC

Economic Differences

3 TaskRelatedStrategies
self-questioning

is about

5 LessonMap

North

was influenced by

the

conflicting interests in the way

people made a living. . . . .
between....

and the

West

the

South

6 ChallengeQuestion
7 SelftestQuestions

What are the types of economic differences that appear between groups of people in a community? Can tension exist?

1. What were the economic characteristics of

the three sections?
2. How did the economic similarities and
differences fuel the fires of war?

8 Tasks

1.First half of class, discuss as group the economic

differences.
2. Second half of class, work in groups to answer
the challenge question on page 213 of the text.
Lesson Overhead # 17

TheTeachingDevice:TheLessonOrganizer
LessonOrganizer

4 UNITorBACKGROUND

Causes of the Civil War

DATE:

(sectionalism)

was based on

emerged because of
Differences between the areas

Areas of the U.S.

and included

Economic
Differences

became greater with

Political
Differences

NAME:

Ms. Mendez

was influenced by

Events in the U.S.

Leaders across the U.S.

and included

Social
Differences

TheChallengeQuestion
1
LESSONTOPIC
3 TaskRelatedStrategies

Relationships

Economic Differences

compare / contrast

self-questioning

Thisareapresentsaquestion
tosparkdiscussionandhelp
conflicting interests in the way
West
people made a living. . . . .
studentsrelatetothelesson's
between....
content.
is about

5 LessonMap

North

and included

11/21

the

and the

the

South

6 ChallengeQuestion
7 SelftestQuestions

What are the types of economic differences that appear between groups of people in a community? Can tension exist?

1. What were the economic characteristics of

the three sections?
2. How did the economic similarities and
differences fuel the fires of war?

8 Tasks

1.First half of class, discuss as group the economic

differences.
2. Second half of class, work in groups to answer
the challenge question on page 213 of the text.
Lesson Overhead # 18

TheTeachingDevice:TheLessonOrganizer
LessonOrganizer

4 UNITorBACKGROUND

Causes of the Civil War

DATE:

(sectionalism)

was based on

emerged because of
Differences between the areas

Areas of the U.S.

and included

Economic
Differences

became greater with

Relationships
compare / contrast

5 LessonMap

North

11/21

Political
Differences

Ms. Mendez

was influenced by

Events in the U.S.

Leaders across the U.S.

SelfTestQuestions
and included

NAME:

and included

Social
Differences

1
LESSONTOPIC
3 TaskRelatedStrategies
Thisinformationprovidesstudents
Economic Differences
self-questioning
withquestionstheycanask
themselvestoreviewthecontentof
conflicting interests in the way
West
thelesson.Thequestionsrequire
people made a living. . . . .
between....
thestudenttothinkabout
importantrelationshipsinthe
South
content.
is about

and the

the

the

6 ChallengeQuestion
7 SelftestQuestions

What are the types of economic differences that appear between groups of people in a community? Can tension exist?

1. What were the economic characteristics of

the three sections?
2. How did the economic similarities and
differences fuel the fires of war?

8 Tasks

1.First half of class, discuss as group the economic

differences.
2. Second half of class, work in groups to answer
the challenge question on page 213 of the text.
Lesson Overhead # 19

TheTeachingDevice:TheLessonOrganizer
LessonOrganizer

4 UNITorBACKGROUND

Causes of the Civil War

DATE:

(sectionalism)

was based on

emerged because of
Differences between the areas

Areas of the U.S.

Tasks

and included

and included

Economic
Differences

became greater with

Political
Differences

Relationships

11/21

Ms. Mendez

was influenced by

Events in the U.S.

Leaders across the U.S.

and included

Social
Differences

LESSONTOPIC

Economic Differences
Thisinformationsummarizes
LessonMap
therequiredtasks,
conflicting interests in the way
expectations,orassignments
North
people made a living. . . . .
between....
associatedwiththelessons.

3 TaskRelatedStrategies

compare / contrast
5

NAME:

self-questioning

is about

the

and the

West

the

South

6 ChallengeQuestion
7 SelftestQuestions

What are the types of economic differences that appear between groups of people in a community? Can tension exist?

1. What were the economic characteristics of

the three sections?
2. How did the economic similarities and
differences fuel the fires of war?

8 Tasks

1.First half of class, discuss as group the economic

differences.
2. Second half of class, work in groups to answer
the challenge question on page 213 of the text.
Lesson Overhead # 20

TheTeachingDevice:TheLessonOrganizer
LessonOrganizer

4 UNITorBACKGROUND

Causes of the Civil War

DATE:

(sectionalism)

was based on

emerged because of
Differences between the areas

Areas of the U.S.

and included

and included

Economic
Differences

became greater with

Political
Differences

Relationships

compare / contrast

NAME:

Ms. Mendez

was influenced by

Events in the U.S.

Leaders across the U.S.

and included

Social
Differences

LESSONTOPIC

Economic Differences

3 TaskRelatedStrategies
self-questioning

is about

5 LessonMap

North

11/21

the

conflicting interests in the way

people made a living. . . . .
between....

and the

West

the

South

6 ChallengeQuestion
7 SelftestQuestions

What are the types of economic differences that appear between groups of people in a community? Can tension exist?

1. What were the economic characteristics of

the three sections?
2. How did the economic similarities and
differences fuel the fires of war?

8 Tasks

1.First half of class, discuss as group the economic

differences.
2. Second half of class, work in groups to answer
the challenge question on page 213 of the text.
Lesson Overhead # 21

The Teaching Device: The Lesson Organizer

4 UNIT or BACKGROUND DATE:3/10/93 NAME: Mr. Darters
Cooperative Learning
Group Work

Lesson Organizer
Share Ideas

requires that you . . .

Compliment Others

Relationships

sequencing/cause and effect

Offer Help

LESSON TOPIC
Exercise Self-Control
is a

5 Lesson Map

There are

Rules for
Exercising Self-Control

bo

Exercise Self-Control

Task-Related Strategies
visual imagery

ut

keeping your cool when you

are told that you have done
something wrong
There are

There are

There are

Skill Steps for

Exercising Self-Control

Nonverbal skills for

Exercising Self-Control

Conditions for when to

Exercising Self-Control

6 Challenge Question

Recommend Changes

Do you ever get angry with others when you are working in your cooperative learning group?

7 Self-test Questions

1.How do your nonverbal signals affect how others react to

you?
2.What are the rules to remember when exercising
self-control
3. What are the steps to the Exercise Self-Control Skill??

8 Tasks
1.Demonstrate how to exercise self-control as you
work in Cooperative Learning Groups..
2.Audiotape your group work and turn it in before you
leave.

Lesson Overhead # 22

The Teaching Device: The Lesson Organizer

Lesson Organizer

4 UNIT or BACKGROUND DATE:

9/29 NAME:

Mr. Stamp

Indirect democracy - USA

made of

an Executive
Branch

a Judicial
Branch

Relationships

a Legislative
Branch

LESSON TOPIC

Legislative Branch

compare and contrast

is a

5 Lesson Map

includes

bo

Responsibilities

Task-Related Strategies
self-questioning

ut

Congress - the part of government

that makes the laws and

The House of
Representatives
Characteristics

State government

where political power is entrusted to representatives and

responsibility is shared (called FEDERALISM) by the

National government

includes

The Senate
Characteristics

Responsibilities

6 Challenge Question Getting laws passed in Congress is like having to ask both your science teacher and the history
teacher if you can go on the pep club field trip.
7 Self-test Questions
8 Tasks
1.How are the House and the Senate alike and how are they
different?

1.Take notes on the characteristics and responsibilities.

2.Read pages 45-48 in the textbook.
3. Turn in Lesson Organizer for grading.

Lesson Overhead # 23

The Teaching Device: The Lesson Organizer

4 UNIT or BACKGROUND DATE: 3/10

Lesson Organizer

Vertebrates

NAME:

Ms. Chavez

Include

fishes
2

amphibians

Relationships

reptiles

LESSON TOPIC

birds

analogical

is a

5 Lesson Map

bo

mammals

birds

Task-Related Strategies

self-questioning

ut

the vertebrate that is built

for flight and
how it

evolved

6 Challenge Question

its

flight structures

its

its

orders and origins

life activities

its

importance

In what ways are birds like airplanes?

7 Self-test Questions
1.How have birds adapted for flight?
2. How are birds important to the environment?

8 Tasks
1.Read pages 520-526 for tomorrow.
2. Complete model of a fertilized bird's egg.
3. Each person needs to turn in the answer to questions
number 5 on page 218 after Cooperative Study Group
work.

Lesson Overhead # 24

The Teaching Device: The Lesson Organizer

4 UNIT or BACKGROUND DATE: 11/15

Lesson Organizer

NAME:

Mr. Washington

Working with Decimals

word names
2

rounding

Relationships

sequence

LESSON TOPIC

decimals and Percents

is a

5 Lesson Map

bo

by

6 Challenge Question

Task-Related Strategies
dividing and paraphrasing

ut

how to describe parts of

something in different ways

changing percents
to decimals

percents

fractions

and

changing decimals
to percents

and

changing percents to
fractions to decimals
and visa versa

How can a father, a brother, an uncle, and a grandfather be described as one person?

7 Self-test Questions
1.How do you change a percent to a decimal?
2. How do you change a decimal to a percent?
3. How do you change a fraction to a percent?
4. How do you change a decimal to a fraction?
5. How do you change a a percent to a fraction?

8 Tasks
1. Complete the problems on page 169 in the text.
2. In your math notebook, explain each step of the process
that you used in order to complete problem 8 on page 169.

Lesson Overhead # 25

The Teaching Device: The Lesson Organizer

4 UNIT or BACKGROUND DATE: 11/15

Lesson Organizer

NAME:

Ms. Gaston

short story

setting
2

character

Relationships

plot

point of view

theme

LESSON TOPIC

plot

sequencing/cause and effect

is a

5 Lesson Map

bo

Task-Related Strategies
paraphrasing

ut

the major set of actions in a

story
such as

exposition
(set up)

6 Challenge Question

such as

conflict

such as

such as

climax

resolution

How are events in your life like a short story?

7 Self-test Questions

1. What types of events in a story can lead to

conflict?
2. How are rising action and falling action related
to the climax of a story?

8 Tasks

1. List the components of the plot for the short

story on pages 167-174.
2. Read the story on pages 176-185 for tomorrow.
Lesson Overhead # 26

The Teaching Device: The Lesson Organizer

Lesson Organizer

Relationships

5 Lesson Map

4 UNIT or BACKGROUND DATE:

LESSON TOPIC
is a

bo

NAME:

Task-Related Strategies

ut

6 Challenge Question
7 Self-test Questions

8 Tasks

Lesson Overhead # 27