What is a Lesson Exemplar (LE)?
Lesson Exemplars (LE) are sample instructional materials designed to showcase expected performance standards and skills in education. They act as reference points for students and teachers illustrating what constitutes quality work. However, their implementation comes with challenges such as ethical concerns, time investment and their potential effects on originality and creativity. See Kindergarten Quarter 3 Lesson Exemplars.
The process of gathering exemplars often requires adherence to ethical guidelines, especially when using previous students’ and teachers’ work. Institutions may require formal permissions, and teachers must decide on the number and type of exemplars to use. Options include a single exemplary piece, a mix of high and low-quality examples, or samples representing different grade levels. This choice influences the time required for selection, analysis and annotation. For handwritten work, transcription may be necessary along with detailed notes explaining how criteria were met and grades determined.
While exemplars are useful, they can sometimes stifle creativity or lead to bootlegging. Students might view exemplars as definitive answers encouraging copying rather than independent thinking. To counter this, teachers can use exemplars that focus on demonstrating skills rather than providing content-specific answers. For instance, an English teacher could use an essay on Dickens to teach writing techniques in a course centered on Mark Twain’s works. This approach preserves the exemplar’s instructional value while reducing the likelihood of plagiarism.
Generic exemplars, designed to be broadly applicable can also enhance flexibility and longevity. These materials can be reused across different cohorts and contexts without compromising their relevance. However, creating such adaptable resources requires careful planning and considerable time.
Lesson exemplars are valuable tools for clarifying standards and guiding learning. However, their use demands thoughtful consideration to address ethical issues, foster originality and ensure they are beneficial across various educational settings. Strategically designing and implementing exemplars, teachers can balance their advantages with their potential drawbacks.
