Lesson Plan

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Lesson Plan
Grade: Date: 17/01/2026
Subject: Information Technology IT
Lesson Topic: Understand software development methods (agile, waterfall, RAD)
Learning Objective/s:
  • Explain the purpose and phases of the system life cycle.
  • Describe the key characteristics of Waterfall, Agile, and RAD models.
  • Compare the strengths, weaknesses, and suitable project contexts for each method.
  • Select an appropriate development method for a given scenario using decision criteria.
Materials Needed:
  • Projector or interactive whiteboard
  • Slide deck summarising SLC and the three models
  • Handout with a comparison table
  • Scenario worksheet for group work
  • Sticky notes or digital board for idea clustering
  • Access to a simple IDE (optional for demo)
 Introduction:
Begin with a quick poll: Which software projects have you encountered that seemed to change requirements mid‑way? Building on students’ prior knowledge of basic project planning, we’ll explore how different development methods manage change and risk. By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to explain, compare, and choose an appropriate method for a given project.
Lesson Structure:
  1. Do‑now (5'): Students list recent software they use and note potential requirement changes; share briefly. (Engage)
  2. Mini‑lecture (15'): Overview of the system life cycle and its phases, linking to development methods. (Explain)
  3. Model deep‑dive (20'): Small groups rotate through stations on Waterfall, Agile, and RAD; record characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses. (Explore)
  4. Comparison activity (10'): Whole‑class consolidates findings into a master comparison chart on the board. (Synthesize)
  5. Scenario application (15'): Provide the university enrolment scenario; groups decide which method (or hybrid) to use and justify using decision factors. (Apply)
  6. Quick check (5'): Exit ticket – one sentence stating the chosen method for a brief and why. (Assess)
Conclusion:
We reviewed the system life cycle and how Waterfall, Agile, and RAD fit within it, highlighting their trade‑offs. Students completed an exit ticket selecting a method for a scenario, demonstrating immediate understanding. For homework, they will research a real‑world project and write a brief justification of the development method used.