A teacher talks to his diverse group of young learners in a primary classroom

Managing the lesson

This section is related to 'Planning lessons and courses' and focuses on managing learning in physical and virtual classroom environments.

Managing the lesson

In this section you can find useful professional development resources – including articles, webinars, podcast episodes, research and teaching tips and tools – all to help you develop your skills and knowledge of Managing the lesson.

What does 'Managing the lesson' involve?

This professional practice is directly related to lesson planning and focuses on managing classroom environments and learning in physical and virtual spaces. It includes:

  • adjusting the physical classroom (e.g. layout, temperature, noise, etc.) or online classroom (distractions, technology, turn-taking etc.) to support learning

  • establishing and maintaining a positive, safe and supportive learning environment

  • explaining, negotiating and agreeing the lesson aims and content

  • using inclusive pedagogies and strategies as appropriate (see also Using inclusive practices)

  • making appropriate decisions about which languages you use, and your learners use (see also Using multilingual practices)

  • using language appropriate to your learners' level (see also Understanding my learners)

  • using multilingual and translanguaging pedagogic strategies as appropriate (see also Using multilingual practices)

  • giving instructions effectively

  • checking understanding (see also: Assessing learning)

  • managing the pace and timing of activities

  • signalling transitions between stages of the lesson

  • responding to unexpected events in the physical and online classroom

  • making effective use of resources and equipment

  • monitoring learner engagement and responding to emergent needs in order to maintain motivation

  • establishing and maintaining appropriate classroom discipline

  • setting up classroom activities that include a variety of interaction patterns

  • adjusting plans to take advantage of opportunities for learning that emerge during lessons

  • reflecting on my lesson management, identifying strengths and areas to develop and making adjustments as needed (see also Understanding and developing my professional identity.)

You can follow a pathway through selected materials on managing the lesson.

 

Explore resources on 'Managing the lesson'

Learn how to evaluate and write engaging lesson plans, and explore techniques for effective transitions, signalling, task-setting and checking instructions. Enrolment for Managing learning is closed. Find resources connected to the course contents on this page, and sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date on when our courses open.

TeachingEnglish: Managing learning
Certificate
Online community
Workbook
Start: 01/10/25
End: 31/12/25
9–12 hours

Give your primary learners the best environment to learn English by improving your management of instructions, learning activities, resources and physical space. Enrolment for Classroom management for primary is closed. Find resources connected to the course contents on this page, and sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date on when our courses open.

TeachingEnglish: Classroom management for primary
Certificate
Online community
Workbook
Start: 07/01/26
End: 31/03/26
9–12 hours

Learn how to manage resources, groupings and differentiation effectively to help build positive relationships with learners in your classroom. Enrolment for Managing learners and resources is closed. Find resources connected to the course contents on this page, and sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date on when our courses open.

TeachingEnglish: Managing learners and resources
Certificate
Online community
Workbook
Start: 07/01/26
End: 31/03/26
9–12 hours

Research and insight

Browse fascinating case studies, research papers, publications and books by researchers and ELT experts from around the world.

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