Before beginning any instructional activity, what must a teacher have clarity on?

Having clarity on learning goals before beginning any instructional activity is essential for effective teaching, particularly for students with disabilities. Learning goals establish the objectives that students are expected to achieve during the lesson. Clear and well-defined goals allow teachers to focus their instruction and tailor their teaching strategies to meet the specific needs of their students.

When a teacher is aware of the learning goals, they can design their lessons to ensure that all students have a clear understanding of what they are working towards. This clarity helps to create a more structured learning environment where students can connect their efforts with specific outcomes. Furthermore, it enables the teacher to assess student progress effectively and adjust their teaching practices as needed to support student success.

In contrast, while the physical setup of the classroom, the grading system, and the teaching materials play important roles in the teaching process, they are secondary to having a clear understanding of the desired learning outcomes. Without defined learning goals, the effectiveness of instruction may be compromised, as the teacher and students lack a focused direction for their efforts.