CELTA Tips: 3 Lesson Planning Mistakes to Avoid (Save Your Sanity!)


Jo Gakonga, a CELTA trainer, outlines three common lesson planning mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. Overloading the lesson: Don’t cram too much. Choose one clear main aim and one sub-aim, allowing ample time for learners to absorb and practice.

2. Ignoring student needs: Plan for your actual learners, observing their knowledge and preferences, rather than an ideal student.

3. Poor activity selection: Prioritize purposeful, level-appropriate tasks that enable learners to *use* the language. Build in repetition to enhance accuracy and fluency. These tips aim to boost trainee confidence and competence.