Definitions

What is a starter?

A ‘starter’ involves the following elements:

‘In the KS3 lesson starter, the aim is to ensure that every pupil is fully engaged with each of the tasks or activities, whether working as an individual, part of a group or with the rest of the class. Most lesson starters will include several short activities that maintain pupils' interest while focusing explicitly on the teacher's chosen objective. A well-balanced starter will allow time for pupils to work without teacher intervention for some of the time, but will also include some direct and specific input from the teacher in order to move the learning on, influence the direction that the learning takes, differentiate the level of challenge to meet pupils' individual needs and ensure that the main teaching points are conveyed clearly.’

Key Stage 3 National Strategy: Exemplar units of work for English:
Lesson starters (DfES, 2001)

What is a plenary?

The plenary is the time in a lesson to reflect on the work achieved – for example, to consider what has been learnt, whether the work was successful, how the work could be improved and whether students achieved what they wanted.

It is also a chance to assess students’ progression in learning. The plenary discussion helps to create a habit of evaluation and reflection – reflecting on students’ own performance, on the performance of others or on the content of the lesson. Such discussion can increase students’ vocabulary (both general and subject-specific).

The plenary should be planned so that all students can participate in some way. It can take a variety of forms (oral, written or practical) as long as it suits the lesson’s purpose. A well-organised plenary can help you to plan the next lesson more effectively.