{"id":228,"date":"2025-02-11T11:20:40","date_gmt":"2025-02-11T18:20:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sandbox.bridge.edu\/bridgetefl.com-2017\/blog\/?p=228"},"modified":"2025-02-19T10:20:59","modified_gmt":"2025-02-19T17:20:59","slug":"using-objectives-in-esl-lesson-plans","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/using-objectives-in-esl-lesson-plans\/","title":{"rendered":"Keep Your Eyes on the Prize: Using Objectives in ESL Lesson Planning"},"content":{"rendered":"<div style=\"margin-top: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px;\" class=\"sharethis-inline-share-buttons\" ><\/div>\n<p>Are you new to teaching English or facing the somewhat scary task of having to make your own <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/free-esl-lesson-plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ESL lesson plans<\/a>? Are you unsure how to build a lesson around a topic that you want to teach? While there is no universally recognized recipe for how to create a TEFL\/TESOL lesson plan, there are some important ingredients to include, like lesson objectives. Considering objectives in ESL lesson planning is essential if you want to deliver a useful and engaging lesson. We&#8217;ll show you exactly how to incorporate ESL learning objectives into your lesson plan!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>If you\u2019re new to teaching, you\u2019ll want to get initial training and qualification with a <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">TEFL certificate<\/a>. You can explore our <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/online-tefl-certification\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online TEFL courses<\/a> to get started!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ub-table-of-contents-block ub_table-of-contents\" id=\"ub_table-of-contents-0a35ab55-9613-44a7-b8e8-71f3f4f65533\" data-linktodivider=\"false\" data-showtext=\"show\" data-hidetext=\"hide\" data-scrolltype=\"auto\" data-enablesmoothscroll=\"false\" data-initiallyhideonmobile=\"false\" data-initiallyshow=\"true\"><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-header\" style=\"text-align: left; \">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-title\">Table of Contents<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-extra-container\" style=\"\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_table-of-contents-container ub_table-of-contents-1-column \">\n\t\t\t\t<ul style=\"\"><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/using-objectives-in-esl-lesson-plans\/#0-what-are-objectives-in-esl-lesson-planning\" style=\"\">What are objectives in ESL lesson planning?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/using-objectives-in-esl-lesson-plans\/#1-why-are-objectives-important-in-esl-lesson-planning\" style=\"\">Why are objectives important in ESL lesson planning?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/using-objectives-in-esl-lesson-plans\/#2-how-do-you-write-esl-learning-objectives\" style=\"\">How do you write ESL learning objectives?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/using-objectives-in-esl-lesson-plans\/#3-what-elements-should-an-effective-esl-lesson-objective-have\" style=\"\">What elements should an effective ESL lesson objective have?<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/using-objectives-in-esl-lesson-plans\/#4-what-are-some-good-and-bad-examples-of-esl-lesson-objectives\" style=\"\">What are some good and bad examples of ESL lesson objectives?<\/a><ul><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/using-objectives-in-esl-lesson-plans\/#5-weak-lesson-objectives-what-to-avoid\" style=\"\">Weak lesson objectives (what to avoid)<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/using-objectives-in-esl-lesson-plans\/#6-strong-lesson-objectives-best-practices\" style=\"\">Strong lesson objectives (best practices)<\/a><\/li><li style=\"\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/using-objectives-in-esl-lesson-plans\/#7-putting-all-of-the-elements-together\" style=\"\">Putting all of the elements together<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"0-what-are-objectives-in-esl-lesson-planning\">What are objectives in ESL lesson planning?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Objectives in ESL lesson planning are also known as lesson aims, student goals, learning goals, or learning objectives. Though the term varies depending on where you received your teacher training, the goal of objectives stays the same: defining a specific and measurable outcome of a lesson that is centered on your students\u2019 achievement. Usually, a lesson should have not just one, but several ESL learning objectives that are linked to a certain time frame or task.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized alignnone wp-image-11815\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"885\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Shakti.jpg\" alt=\"An image of Shakti, a Bridge TEFL graduate, helping two English students achieve the objectives in his ESL lesson plan\" class=\"wp-image-11815\" style=\"width:600px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Shakti.jpg 885w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/06\/Shakti-480x463.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 885px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/shakti-from-mauritius-advancing-his-online-english-teaching-career\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Shakti<\/a> teaches online and in-person in Mauritius<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1-why-are-objectives-important-in-esl-lesson-planning\">Why are objectives important in ESL lesson planning?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Your lesson objectives drive everything you do throughout your lesson. They can be the difference between an aimless lesson and one that intentionally brings students a step closer to meeting their language goals. Here are some reasons why ESL lesson objectives are important and how they can help you as a teacher:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-d0c0a86e-e9cd-46d2-9b38-99c69dee33f6\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-9fbb4bf8-6d8f-42f1-a99d-cb8fe6db2b9e\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Defining objectives makes you examine your lesson content to ensure that there is an actual need for the topic you&#8217;re teaching and the activities you&#8217;re planning to do.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-79878a77-a430-45e5-93d8-d4c89a636aa7\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Your class will run smoothly if you have a solid plan for how each lesson element fits into your overall teaching goal.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-4bead7cc-8f1a-4792-b65e-21f50ddc0bd5\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Assessing student progress is easy by looking at whether or not the lesson objectives were met.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-ea3b9305-3738-4a66-a9ad-6ea91b288fc8\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">You will be able to identify whether the lesson was a success and should be used with future students.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-230229b7-8afc-4e53-b3e7-b03d54624c1b\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">Students will have a clear picture of what they should take away from the lesson and why the lesson is important if you share the objectives with them.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/online\/120-hour\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Learn everything you need to know about crafting ESL lesson plans and other essential teaching skills in the Bridge 120-hour Master TEFL\/TESOL Certification course.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><div class=\"content-advertisements template1\"><div class=\"thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/online\/professional\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/Professional-Certificates.png\" class=\"\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"txt\"><h5>Kickstart your English language teaching career with<\/h5><h3>Professional TEFL\/TESOL Certification<\/h3><p><\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/courses\/online\/professional\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn-ads\">Get Certified<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"2-how-do-you-write-esl-learning-objectives\">How do you write ESL learning objectives?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When you&#8217;re planning your lessons, the first step is to ask these questions to establish the lesson objectives:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>What am I teaching in this lesson?<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Why am I teaching it?<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>What will the students be able to do by the end of this lesson?<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>How will I know if the students have learned what I want to teach them? In other words, how will I&nbsp;measure&nbsp;the success of the lesson?<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p>By answering these questions, your objectives will become clear. They will form the irreplaceable framework for your lesson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3-what-elements-should-an-effective-esl-lesson-objective-have\">What elements should an effective ESL lesson objective have?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There are three main elements that every lesson objective should include:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM281 385c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l71-71L136 280c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24l182.1 0-71-71c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0L393 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L281 385z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-c1d44717-b685-43a2-8a11-4c78cfa95328\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM281 385c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l71-71L136 280c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24l182.1 0-71-71c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0L393 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L281 385z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-8e3b832a-ba26-4177-85d2-24781572a0e0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM281 385c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l71-71L136 280c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24l182.1 0-71-71c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0L393 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L281 385z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Specific<\/strong>: ESL learning objectives should always be specific and\u00a0relate to the main topic of your lesson. For example, if you are teaching the simple past tense, all lesson objectives should refer to the learning stages of studying the simple past tense.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM281 385c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l71-71L136 280c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24l182.1 0-71-71c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0L393 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L281 385z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-8e3b832a-ba26-4177-85d2-24781572a0e0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM281 385c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l71-71L136 280c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24l182.1 0-71-71c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0L393 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L281 385z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Measurable<\/strong>: ESL lesson objectives should be measurable. Your students need to produce language that clearly demonstrates their understanding of the lesson content. Think about what student actions you can observe to assess whether the lesson objectives have been met.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM281 385c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l71-71L136 280c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24l182.1 0-71-71c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0L393 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L281 385z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-8e3b832a-ba26-4177-85d2-24781572a0e0\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M0 256a256 256 0 1 0 512 0A256 256 0 1 0 0 256zM281 385c-9.4 9.4-24.6 9.4-33.9 0s-9.4-24.6 0-33.9l71-71L136 280c-13.3 0-24-10.7-24-24s10.7-24 24-24l182.1 0-71-71c-9.4-9.4-9.4-24.6 0-33.9s24.6-9.4 33.9 0L393 239c9.4 9.4 9.4 24.6 0 33.9L281 385z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Student-centered<\/strong>: Objectives in ESL lesson planning should be student-centered\u00a0in order to be effective. In other words, what will the students be able to do?<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p class=\"wcb-button cb-common arrow-button\"><strong>Pro tip:<\/strong>&nbsp;Try to write your objectives with&nbsp;action verbs&nbsp;that correspond to the <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/quick-games-and-activities-for-the-efl-classroom\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">EFL games and activities<\/a> that you will use during your lesson.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"\"><div class=\"content-advertisements template3\"><div class=\"thumb\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ebooks-lesson-planning-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\" \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/ebook-The-English-Language-Teacher\u2229s-Guide-to-Lesson-Planning-Resources.png\" class=\"\"><\/a><\/div><div class=\"txt\"><h5>Find the materials that will benefit your students the most with the free<\/h5><h3>ESL Teacher\u2019s Guide to Lesson Planning Resources<\/h3><p><\/p><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/ebooks-lesson-planning-resources\/\" target=\"_blank\" class=\"btn-ads\">download<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4-what-are-some-good-and-bad-examples-of-esl-lesson-objectives\">What are some good and bad examples of ESL lesson objectives?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To be effective, ESL lesson objectives should be specific, student-centered, and measurable. Here\u2019s a comparison of objectives that do and don\u2019t meet these criteria:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5-weak-lesson-objectives-what-to-avoid\">Weak lesson objectives (what to avoid)<\/h3>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 384 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23cf2e2e&quot; d=&quot;M376.6 84.5c11.3-13.6 9.5-33.8-4.1-45.1s-33.8-9.5-45.1 4.1L192 206 56.6 43.5C45.3 29.9 25.1 28.1 11.5 39.4S-3.9 70.9 7.4 84.5L150.3 256 7.4 427.5c-11.3 13.6-9.5 33.8 4.1 45.1s33.8 9.5 45.1-4.1L192 306 327.4 468.5c11.3 13.6 31.5 15.4 45.1 4.1s15.4-31.5 4.1-45.1L233.7 256 376.6 84.5z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-152b773f-53c6-435f-b47f-afec5e5814eb\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 384 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23cf2e2e&quot; d=&quot;M376.6 84.5c11.3-13.6 9.5-33.8-4.1-45.1s-33.8-9.5-45.1 4.1L192 206 56.6 43.5C45.3 29.9 25.1 28.1 11.5 39.4S-3.9 70.9 7.4 84.5L150.3 256 7.4 427.5c-11.3 13.6-9.5 33.8 4.1 45.1s33.8 9.5 45.1-4.1L192 306 327.4 468.5c11.3 13.6 31.5 15.4 45.1 4.1s15.4-31.5 4.1-45.1L233.7 256 376.6 84.5z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-0c18a546-ee16-45a7-85df-8a9c3698f468\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 384 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#cf2e2e\" d=\"M376.6 84.5c11.3-13.6 9.5-33.8-4.1-45.1s-33.8-9.5-45.1 4.1L192 206 56.6 43.5C45.3 29.9 25.1 28.1 11.5 39.4S-3.9 70.9 7.4 84.5L150.3 256 7.4 427.5c-11.3 13.6-9.5 33.8 4.1 45.1s33.8 9.5 45.1-4.1L192 306 327.4 468.5c11.3 13.6 31.5 15.4 45.1 4.1s15.4-31.5 4.1-45.1L233.7 256 376.6 84.5z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Too vague &amp; unrelated to the lesson topic<\/strong>: Students will master the grammar point.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 384 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23cf2e2e&quot; d=&quot;M376.6 84.5c11.3-13.6 9.5-33.8-4.1-45.1s-33.8-9.5-45.1 4.1L192 206 56.6 43.5C45.3 29.9 25.1 28.1 11.5 39.4S-3.9 70.9 7.4 84.5L150.3 256 7.4 427.5c-11.3 13.6-9.5 33.8 4.1 45.1s33.8 9.5 45.1-4.1L192 306 327.4 468.5c11.3 13.6 31.5 15.4 45.1 4.1s15.4-31.5 4.1-45.1L233.7 256 376.6 84.5z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-0c18a546-ee16-45a7-85df-8a9c3698f468\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 384 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#cf2e2e\" d=\"M376.6 84.5c11.3-13.6 9.5-33.8-4.1-45.1s-33.8-9.5-45.1 4.1L192 206 56.6 43.5C45.3 29.9 25.1 28.1 11.5 39.4S-3.9 70.9 7.4 84.5L150.3 256 7.4 427.5c-11.3 13.6-9.5 33.8 4.1 45.1s33.8 9.5 45.1-4.1L192 306 327.4 468.5c11.3 13.6 31.5 15.4 45.1 4.1s15.4-31.5 4.1-45.1L233.7 256 376.6 84.5z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Unquantifiable (no clear way to assess learning)<\/strong>: By the end of the lesson, students will understand the past perfect.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 384 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23cf2e2e&quot; d=&quot;M376.6 84.5c11.3-13.6 9.5-33.8-4.1-45.1s-33.8-9.5-45.1 4.1L192 206 56.6 43.5C45.3 29.9 25.1 28.1 11.5 39.4S-3.9 70.9 7.4 84.5L150.3 256 7.4 427.5c-11.3 13.6-9.5 33.8 4.1 45.1s33.8 9.5 45.1-4.1L192 306 327.4 468.5c11.3 13.6 31.5 15.4 45.1 4.1s15.4-31.5 4.1-45.1L233.7 256 376.6 84.5z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-0c18a546-ee16-45a7-85df-8a9c3698f468\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 384 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#cf2e2e\" d=\"M376.6 84.5c11.3-13.6 9.5-33.8-4.1-45.1s-33.8-9.5-45.1 4.1L192 206 56.6 43.5C45.3 29.9 25.1 28.1 11.5 39.4S-3.9 70.9 7.4 84.5L150.3 256 7.4 427.5c-11.3 13.6-9.5 33.8 4.1 45.1s33.8 9.5 45.1-4.1L192 306 327.4 468.5c11.3 13.6 31.5 15.4 45.1 4.1s15.4-31.5 4.1-45.1L233.7 256 376.6 84.5z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Teacher-centered (focused on what the teacher does, not the student)<\/strong>: I\u2019ll explain the passive voice by using a visual aid and a worksheet.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-eb40c1c6-a7bf-4bad-ac08-1bb34d7f3067\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%23000000&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-3e8143f9-5889-4c04-9903-f9b963124919\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#000000\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6-strong-lesson-objectives-best-practices\">Strong lesson objectives (best practices)<\/h3>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-06080c00-acd3-4a1b-a972-7305ad9e8f35\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-f65d04cb-26aa-41d1-bfb5-e195c5173f2e\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Specific &amp; relevant to the lesson topic<\/strong>: Students will learn how to use the simple future to discuss upcoming plans.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-f65d04cb-26aa-41d1-bfb5-e195c5173f2e\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Measurable (includes a clear assessment method)<\/strong>: By the end of the lesson, students will be able to write five sentences in the past perfect.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-f65d04cb-26aa-41d1-bfb5-e195c5173f2e\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>Student-centered (focuses on what students will do)<\/strong>: Students will identify verbs in the passive voice by underlining them in a text.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized alignnone wp-image-11814\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Using-Objectives-in-ESL-Lesson-Planning-rachel-cordova-teaching-english-online.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-37987\" style=\"width:600px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Using-Objectives-in-ESL-Lesson-Planning-rachel-cordova-teaching-english-online.jpg 600w, https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Using-Objectives-in-ESL-Lesson-Planning-rachel-cordova-teaching-english-online-480x320.jpg 480w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) 600px, 100vw\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em>Rachel, an online English teacher<\/em>.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"7-putting-all-of-the-elements-together\">Putting all of the elements together<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Now, let\u2019s combine all the key elements into an effective ESL learning objective \u2013 one that is specific, student-centered, and measurable:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 576 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M316.9 18C311.6 7 300.4 0 288.1 0s-23.4 7-28.8 18L195 150.3 51.4 171.5c-12 1.8-22 10.2-25.7 21.7s-.7 24.2 7.9 32.7L137.8 329 113.2 474.7c-2 12 3 24.2 12.9 31.3s23 8 33.8 2.3l128.3-68.5 128.3 68.5c10.8 5.7 23.9 4.9 33.8-2.3s14.9-19.3 12.9-31.3L438.5 329 542.7 225.9c8.6-8.5 11.7-21.2 7.9-32.7s-13.7-19.9-25.7-21.7L381.2 150.3 316.9 18z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-baaf56e5-9a00-4bf2-bac6-8ef76dd7b4c8\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 576 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M316.9 18C311.6 7 300.4 0 288.1 0s-23.4 7-28.8 18L195 150.3 51.4 171.5c-12 1.8-22 10.2-25.7 21.7s-.7 24.2 7.9 32.7L137.8 329 113.2 474.7c-2 12 3 24.2 12.9 31.3s23 8 33.8 2.3l128.3-68.5 128.3 68.5c10.8 5.7 23.9 4.9 33.8-2.3s14.9-19.3 12.9-31.3L438.5 329 542.7 225.9c8.6-8.5 11.7-21.2 7.9-32.7s-13.7-19.9-25.7-21.7L381.2 150.3 316.9 18z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-816e1a15-38cc-49eb-a6dd-482cae4ce480\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 576 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M316.9 18C311.6 7 300.4 0 288.1 0s-23.4 7-28.8 18L195 150.3 51.4 171.5c-12 1.8-22 10.2-25.7 21.7s-.7 24.2 7.9 32.7L137.8 329 113.2 474.7c-2 12 3 24.2 12.9 31.3s23 8 33.8 2.3l128.3-68.5 128.3 68.5c10.8 5.7 23.9 4.9 33.8-2.3s14.9-19.3 12.9-31.3L438.5 329 542.7 225.9c8.6-8.5 11.7-21.2 7.9-32.7s-13.7-19.9-25.7-21.7L381.2 150.3 316.9 18z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\">By the end of the lesson, students will be able to use the modal &#8220;should&#8221; accurately in both speaking and writing when giving advice to a friend.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p>This objective is effective because:<\/p>\n\n\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 1.1em; text-align: left; --ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px;; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); --ub-list-item-fa-li-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-spacing: 0px; \" class=\"wp-block-ub-styled-list ub_styled_list\" id=\"ub_styled_list-881aeec6-cade-46fc-9cb7-24e72d69cefb\"><div class=\"ub-block-list__layout\" style=\"text-align: left; column-count: 1; --ub-list-mobile-column-count: 2; \">\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-64b84fc7-cb6a-420a-b549-c6a1ad7d32a2\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>It\u2019s specific<\/strong>: It focuses on the modal verb &#8220;should&#8221; and its function in giving advice.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-cf6b9f6d-41f1-41da-b53e-223a81eb9910\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>It\u2019s student-centered<\/strong>: It describes what students will do, rather than what the teacher will explain.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n\n<li class=\"ub_styled_list_item\" style=\"--ub-list-item-icon-top: 3px; --ub-list-item-icon-size: 0.9em; --ub-list-item-background-image: url('data:image\/svg+xml;utf8,&lt;svg xmlns=&quot;http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg&quot; viewBox=&quot;0 0 512 512&quot;&gt;&lt;path fill=&quot;%2300d084&quot; d=&quot;M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z&quot;&gt;&lt;\/path&gt;&lt;\/svg&gt;'); \" id=\"ub-styled-list-item-91649780-e17f-4ccc-a0dd-94a70ab86940\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"ub_list_item_content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"0.9em\" height=\"0.9em\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewbox=\"0 0 512 512\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill=\"#00d084\" d=\"M470.6 105.4c12.5 12.5 12.5 32.8 0 45.3l-256 256c-12.5 12.5-32.8 12.5-45.3 0l-128-128c-12.5-12.5-12.5-32.8 0-45.3s32.8-12.5 45.3 0L192 338.7 425.4 105.4c12.5-12.5 32.8-12.5 45.3 0z\"><\/path>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"ub_list_item_text\"><strong>It\u2019s measurable<\/strong>: Success can be assessed by observing students\u2019 ability to correctly use &#8220;should&#8221; in both spoken and written contexts.<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/li>\n<\/div><\/ul>\n\n\n<p>By following this structure, English teachers can create objectives that guide lesson planning and ensure students achieve meaningful progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>ESL lesson plans&nbsp;can range from a few notes on the back of an envelope to full-blown works of art. They can be quick, <a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/last-minute-esl-lesson-plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">last-minute ESL lesson plan outlines<\/a> or so fully developed that a substitute teacher can walk in and complete the lesson without skipping a beat. As long as you&#8217;ve defined your ESL lesson objectives, your class has the potential to run smoothly and bring students one step closer to fluency!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8-discover-exactly-how-to-structure-an-esl-lesson-plan-plus-15-sites-with-free-lesson-plans-for-english-teachers-\"><a href=\"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/free-esl-lesson-plans\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><em>Discover exactly how to structure an ESL lesson plan plus 15 sites with free lesson plans for English teachers.<\/em><\/a><\/h4>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Writing objectives in ESL lesson planning is essential if you want to deliver an effective and engaging lesson. We&#8217;ll teach you exactly how to incorporate ESL learning objectives into your lesson plan with these tips and examples!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":39,"featured_media":37947,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[10,13,659,14],"tags":[176,302,617,618,350,354],"post-language":[],"popular_posts":[],"class_list":["post-228","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-pedagogy","category-teach-english-abroad","category-teaching-english-independently","category-teaching-english-online","tag-lesson-planning","tag-teaching-adults","tag-teaching-groups","tag-teaching-groups-online","tag-teaching-teens","tag-teaching-young-learners"],"featured_image_src":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Using-Objectives-in-ESL-Lesson-Planning-featured-image.jpg","author_info":{"display_name":"Johanna Kawasaki","author_link":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/author\/johanna-kawasaki\/"},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/228","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/39"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=228"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/228\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37989,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/228\/revisions\/37989"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37947"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=228"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=228"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=228"},{"taxonomy":"post-language","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-language?post=228"},{"taxonomy":"popular_posts","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bridge.edu\/tefl\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/popular_posts?post=228"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}