lesson

A lesson is a planned segment of instruction designed to help learners acquire knowledge, skills, or attitudes. It is typically part of a larger course or curriculum and is structured to achieve predefined learning objectives through a sequence of activities, materials, and assessments.

Origins of the term trace to Old French leçon and Latin lectio, reflecting the act of teaching and learning. While the word historically referred to a taught session, its practical use now encompasses a wide range of formats from in-person lectures to online modules and hands-on demonstrations.

Common elements of a lesson include clear objectives, content presentation, guided practice, independent practice, and assessment or feedback. Lessons may vary in length, pace, and mode, and they may employ direct instruction, inquiry, collaboration, or multimedia resources.

Types of lessons include formal classroom lessons, informal teaching moments, and moral or practical lessons drawn from experiences. A lesson can also denote a lesson learned, a takeaway or warning that informs future behavior.

Effective lesson design aligns activities with objectives, uses scaffolding to support learners at different levels, and provides opportunities for formative feedback. Digital tools have expanded access to lessons through video, interactive simulations, and adaptive learning platforms.

Assessment in a lesson may be formative, such as checklists and questions during instruction, or summative, such as tests at the end of a unit. Reflection on outcomes guides revisions to future lessons.