Lesson structure and pacing ideas
In this guide
- Why lesson structure is so important
- 3 Benefits of effective pacing in the classroom
- Interactive video ideas for teachers
- 4 Ways ClickView can help with lesson structure and pacing
- 4 Teacher tips for structuring a lesson
- Achieve learning outcomes with effective lesson structure and pacing
Appropriately structured classroom lessons include a series of clear steps and smooth transitions between them. Effective teachers know how to structure a well-paced lesson and scaffold learning to build students’ knowledge and skills. Are you looking for help to structure your lesson plans? Thousands of ClickView videos come with teaching resource packs to help you plan and structure your lessons, as well as pacing ideas for class.
Why lesson structure is so important
A lesson structure maps out the teaching and learning that will occur in class. A clearly thought out lesson has set steps that need to be achieved, with parts in between to be filled with more knowledge through scaffolding. Engaging with students about expectations, content, and outcomes also helps to boost student confidence in the current subject or topic.
3 Benefits of effective pacing in the classroom
1) Maximize class time

Take the time to plan out individual lessons and lesson sequences for the best outcomes. Effective lesson pacing optimizes the time spent on each task and maintains an engaged class through the use of smooth transitions.
2) Maintain engagement

Planned sequencing of a variety of teaching and learning activities also helps to stimulate and maintain engagement by creating links between lesson and unit learning. It helps minimize disruptions and facilitates a logical order and flow.
3) Achieve outcomes

With a clear structure in mind for the lessons in your classroom, it’s more likely that you and your students will meet goals and achieve desired outcomes.

Interactive video ideas for teachers
Using video as an interactive activity is an important feature of effective lesson pacing. ClickView’s interactive video feature can help you plan and pace lessons to work towards specific learning outcomes. You can test student understanding, clarify tasks or tailor videos for individual student difference. Build your playlists in advance to help with seamless classroom activity transitions.
4 Ways ClickView can help with lesson structure and pacing
1) Gather data with interactive videos
- Use interactive questions to gather formative assessment data about the knowledge level of your students. Plan and pace your lessons accordingly with the immediate feedback.
- Use interactives to clarify learning outcomes or to test student understanding before scaffolding the learning process.
2) Support to plan lessons
- You can tailor interactive videos for different levels of understanding, meeting the needs of all students. Offer further support by adapting your question content.
- Use the suggested lesson plans and other ClickView educational resources, such as worksheets and activities, to help structure your lessons and save you time.
3) Promote student engagement
- Introduce new topics or learning areas with a video “hook” from a relevant video in the collection.
- It only takes moments for students to lose focus. You can build your playlists ahead of time for lessons that run seamlessly and keep students on topic.
4) Reinforce content understanding
- Use video regularly to reinforce topic content for students and stimulate engagement. The clipping tool helps scaffold this engagement, allowing you to create just the right length video for your particular class.
- The ability to rewatch video at home can reinforce content for students who may not understand concepts in class, without holding other students back.
4 Teacher tips for structuring a lesson
- Get organized
By getting your teaching materials ready, you can keep the flow of a lesson going. Have any handouts prepared or uploaded onto your learning management system (LMS) for students to access quickly. Alternatively, project your screen for students to watch or read from. Any other materials, particularly for younger students, such as glue, scissors, and sticky notes should be readily available in a central location. - Use visual cues
To help keep students on track during your lesson or lecture, present your instructions visually. Save yourself the energy and time of having to repeat instructions throughout your time together. Remember that oral directions don’t suit every learning style. Explore educational resources to help with structuring a lesson. - Consider teaching styles and strategies
Choose the most effective teaching strategy or style for your particular topic or lesson. Consider, how will my students understand this information best? Is this idea suited to group or individual work? Instructional or experiential? Don’t be afraid to mix it up and switch the delivery method during the lesson. Discover more helpful teaching strategies for your classes. - Use timing cues
Create a sense of urgency with a consistent, diligent pace. You can use a timer for “on the clock” motivation while moving steadily through a task. Don’t race ahead when extra thinking time may be needed but do keep your eye on the time. Browse our videos for a clip of just the right length.
Achieve learning outcomes with effective lesson structure and pacing
A ClickView subscription gives you full access to 1000s of standards-aligned videos, including all supporting educational resources. Our dedicated training channel offers instruction on a range of popular topics, such as using Library Editor and interactive videos. You can also watch a webinar or attend an event to develop your skills and confidence with ClickView. We’re here to help you plan lessons to achieve optimal learning outcomes for all students.

Tara Walsh
briefcase iconContent Curation Manager
A qualified teacher and human resources professional, Tara has had an extensive career as a teacher and leader in K-12, and in learning and development.
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