The lesson plan is one of the most important components of your EPIK application. It demonstrates your understanding of classroom methodology, your ability to plan structured learning experiences, and your readiness to step into a Korean public school classroom. Many applicants underestimate how much weight this document carries — a strong lesson plan can compensate for a lack of experience, while a weak one can sink an otherwise solid application.
Why You Need to Submit a Lesson Plan
EPIK reviewers use your lesson plan to assess several things simultaneously: your understanding of communicative language teaching, your ability to structure time effectively, your creativity in designing engaging activities, and your awareness of Korean classroom contexts. They want to see that you can plan a lesson that Korean students would actually enjoy and learn from — not a theoretical exercise from a textbook.
Getting Started
Before you write a single word, take the time to set yourself up for success.
- Read the instructions carefully — EPIK provides specific guidelines about format, length, and content. Follow them to the letter. Ignoring instructions signals a lack of attention to detail.
- Select your grade level — Elementary school lessons are 40 minutes, middle school lessons are 45 minutes, and high school lessons are 50 minutes. Choose the level you are most comfortable with.
- Choose a practical, conversational topic — EPIK values communicative English. Topics like "Ordering Food at a Restaurant," "Giving Directions," or "Talking About Hobbies" work well because they are practical and produce genuine communication.
- Focus on spoken English — Korean students typically receive extensive grammar and reading instruction from their Korean English teachers. Your role as a native speaker is to develop their speaking and listening skills.
- Reference prior learning — Show that your lesson builds on what students already know. A brief mention like "Students have previously learned basic food vocabulary" demonstrates curricular awareness.
- Select appropriate materials — Keep materials simple and reproducible. Flashcards, worksheets, and audio clips are more practical in Korean classrooms than high-tech solutions.
- Plan activities that get students talking — Every activity should have students producing English, not just passively listening.
The PPP Structure
EPIK lesson plans should follow the PPP model: Presentation, Practice, and Production. This is the most widely accepted lesson structure in Korean public schools, and deviating from it may confuse reviewers.
Presentation (Approximately 10-12 Minutes for a 45-Minute Lesson)
This is where you introduce the target language. Use visual aids, real objects, short dialogues, or video clips to present new vocabulary and structures in context. The goal is for students to understand the meaning and form of the target language before they are asked to use it. Keep teacher talking time high during this phase — you are the model.
Practice (Approximately 15 Minutes)
Students practise the target language in controlled activities. This includes drilling exercises, matching activities, gap-fill worksheets, and guided pair work where students follow a provided dialogue or pattern. Errors should be corrected during this phase to build accuracy.
Production (Approximately 12-15 Minutes)
Students use the target language freely and creatively. This is where the real communication happens — role plays, information gap activities, surveys, and games that require students to produce language spontaneously. Accuracy correction takes a back seat to fluency during production activities.
How to Fill Out the Template
Your lesson plan template should include these sections with approximate timings for a 45-minute lesson.
- Introduction (5 minutes) — Greet the class, review previous material briefly, and introduce today's topic with an engaging warm-up activity. A quick game, a funny image, or a provocative question works well.
- Presentation (10-12 minutes) — Introduce new language clearly with visual support. Check comprehension with concept-checking questions. Model pronunciation and natural usage.
- Practice (12-15 minutes) — Guided activities that let students use the new language with support. Include at least two different practice activities to maintain engagement.
- Production (10-12 minutes) — A freer activity where students use the language creatively. This should be the most enjoyable part of the lesson.
- Conclusion (3-5 minutes) — Review key language from the lesson, praise participation, and preview the next lesson if appropriate.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
- Technology failure — Always have a non-digital backup plan. If your lesson relies on a video or audio clip, prepare an alternative activity that achieves the same objective without technology.
- Student disengagement — Build variety into your lesson. If an activity is not working, be prepared to shorten it and move to something more active. Physical movement, competition, and humour are your best tools.
- Confused learners — Include concept-checking questions throughout your plan. If students do not understand the presentation, the practice and production phases will fail. Be prepared to re-explain using simpler language or additional examples.
- Time constraints — Running out of time is the most common problem for new teachers. Time each section of your plan and include notes about which activities can be shortened or cut if needed.
A well-crafted lesson plan shows EPIK that you are thoughtful, organised, and genuinely prepared to succeed in a Korean classroom. Take the time to get it right — it is one of the few elements of your application that is entirely within your control.
