The BOPPPS model is a structured approach to lesson planning that ensures comprehensive and effective delivery of educational content. BOPPPS stands for Bridge-In, Objective(s), Pre-assessment, Participatory Learning, Post-assessment, and Summary. This model was originally developed in the 1980s by instructors and educators involved in the Instructional Skills Workshop seeking to create a more systematic and student-centered approach to teaching. Over time, BOPPPS has evolved, integrating new insights from educational research and adapting to various instructional contexts, including online learning environments.
BOPPPS is rooted in active learning principles, where students are not just passive recipients of information but are actively engaged in the learning process. The model’s strength lies in its simplicity and flexibility, making it a popular choice among educators looking to enhance their lesson planning and delivery.
Download a BOPPPS template
BOPPPS Components
Bridge-In
Approximately 10% of the lesson
The Bridge-In is the opening segment of your lesson where you capture the students’ attention and set the stage for learning. This can be done through a variety of techniques such as posing a thought-provoking question, sharing a relevant anecdote, or presenting a problem to be solved. The goal is to create a connection between the students’ prior knowledge or experiences and the new content they will learn.
Objective(s)
Approximately 10% of the lesson
In this phase, you clearly articulate the learning objectives for the lesson. These objectives should be specific, measurable, and aligned with the overall course outcomes. Communicating the objectives helps students understand what they are expected to learn and achieve by the end of the lesson. This step also guides the rest of the lesson planning and assessment process.
Pre-Assessment
Approximately 10% of the lesson
Pre-assessment involves gauging students’ existing knowledge and skills related to the lesson’s content before instruction begins. This can be done through quick quizzes, discussions, or informal questioning. The purpose of the pre-assessment is to inform your teaching by identifying areas where students may need more support or where the lesson can be adjusted to better meet their needs.
Participatory Learning
Approximately 50% of the lesson
Participatory Learning is the core of the BOPPPS model, where students engage with the lesson content through active learning strategies. This can include group work, discussions, hands-on activities, or problem-solving exercises. The focus is on student participation, allowing them to apply what they are learning in meaningful ways. This step encourages deeper understanding and retention of the material.
Post-Assessment
Approximately 10% of the lesson
After the participatory learning activities, post-assessment is conducted to evaluate students’ understanding and mastery of the lesson objectives. This can be done through quizzes, assignments, or reflective activities. The post-assessment provides immediate feedback to both the instructor and the students, highlighting areas of success and those that may require further attention.
Summary
Approximately 10% of the lesson
The Summary serves as the conclusion of the lesson, where the key points are reviewed, and the learning objectives are revisited. This step ensures that students leave the lesson with a clear understanding of the material covered. It can also be an opportunity to connect the lesson to upcoming topics or future learning experiences.
Additional Considerations for Lesson Planning
When planning lessons, it is valuable to consider complementary frameworks and approaches that align with or enhance the BOPPPS model. Here are some additional resources:
- Constructive Alignment (Biggs & Tang, 2011): This approach emphasizes the alignment between learning activities, assessment methods, and learning outcomes. It encourages educators to design courses where all components work together to support student learning.
- Fink’s Significant Learning: This model focuses on creating learning experiences that are meaningful and transformative. Fink identifies six dimensions of significant learning, including foundational knowledge, application, integration, and caring, which can be incorporated into lesson planning to enrich the educational experience.
- Universal Design for Learning (UDL): UDL is a framework that promotes creating inclusive learning environments that accommodate the diverse needs of all learners. It encourages flexible approaches to teaching, offering multiple means of representation, engagement, and expression to ensure all students have equal opportunities to succeed.
These resources provide additional strategies and insights that can be integrated with the BOPPPS model to create more effective and inclusive lesson plans. By combining these approaches, educators can enhance their teaching practice and better support student learning.