How to prepare a successful Demo Lesson?

August 20, 2025

Phase 1: The Preparation (Before You Step into the Room)

1. Get the Specifics

Your first step is to gather intelligence. Never go in blind. Ask the recruiter or school for:

Topic and Objective: Exactly what concept should you teach?
Age Group and Ability Level: Who are your students? Are they EAL (English as an Additional Language) learners? Gifted and Talented?
Time Allocation: Is it 20 minutes? 30? Every minute counts.
Resources Available: Will you have a smartboard, projector, whiteboard, access to printers? Can you bring your own materials?

2. Plan with Precision

With the specifics in hand, start crafting your lesson plan.

Have a Clear Learning Objective: Frame it as “By the end of this lesson, students will be able to…” This keeps your lesson focused.
Incorporate a Hook (The Starter): Start with a bang! Use a intriguing question, a short video, a puzzling image, or a quick game to grab attention immediately. This is crucial for engaging students you don’t know.
Structure Your Time: Use a clear I Do, We Do, You Do model.
- I Do (5-7 mins): Direct instruction. Introduce the concept clearly and concisely. Use visual aids.
- We Do (7-10 mins): Guided practice. Work through an example together. Use questioning techniques to check for understanding.
- You Do (5-7 mins): Independent practice. Have a short, engaging activity for students to do on their own or in pairs to solidify learning.
Plan for Differentiation: Be prepared to show how you would support a struggling learner and how you would challenge a fast finisher. This is highly valued in UAE’s diverse classrooms.
Include an Assessment for Learning (AFL): How will you know if they’ve understood? This could be a quick quiz, thumbs up/down, exit tickets, or scanning their work during the “You Do” phase.

3. Prepare Your Materials

Create a Lesson Plan Handout: Prepare a professional, one-page lesson plan for the observers. It shows your organizational skills and allows them to follow your structure.
Make Resources Visually Appealing: If using slides, ensure they are clear, uncluttered, and use high-quality images. Laminate any cards or handouts for a professional touch.
Have a Backup Plan: What if the technology fails? Have a low-tech version ready. This demonstrates flexibility and preparedness.

Phase 2: The Execution (Your Moment to Shine)

4. First Impressions Matter

Dress Professionally: Business attire is expected.
Greet the Students and the Observers: Introduce yourself with a warm, confident smile. Learn the students’ names quickly and use them.
Set Expectations: Clearly and positively state the goal for the lesson. “Good morning, everyone! Today, we’re going to become experts on…”

5. Teach the Students, Not the Observers

This is the golden rule. It’s easy to get nervous and teach directly to the hiring panel. Resist this!

Make Eye Contact with Students: Build rapport with them. Your interaction with the students is what the observers want to see.
Monitor the Room: Walk around during the “You Do” phase. Check on progress, ask guiding questions, and offer praise.
Use Positive Reinforcement: UAE schools strongly emphasise positive behaviour management. Praise effort, focus, and good answers. (“Excellent thinking, Ahmed!” “I love how your group is working together, Sara!”)

6. Showcase Key Teaching Skills

Questioning: Ask open-ended questions that promote higher-order thinking (Why? How? What if?).
Wait Time: After asking a question, pause. Give all students, especially EAL learners, time to process and formulate an answer.
Classroom Management: Use calm, non-verbal cues to manage behaviour. Your tone of voice should be warm and authoritative.

Phase 3: The Finale (Leaving a Lasting Impression)

7. End Strongly

Plenary/Exit Ticket: End with a quick review of the learning objective. A simple “Tell your partner one thing you learned today” or a quick quiz question works perfectly.
Thank the Students: Acknowledge their hard work and participation.

8. The Debrief (Q&A)

Be prepared to discuss your lesson with the panel.

Justify Your Choices: Be ready to explain why you chose a certain activity or strategy.
Reflect Honestly: What went well? What would you change if you taught it again? This shows self-awareness and a growth mindset.
Ask Insightful Questions: Ask about their curriculum, support for teachers, or professional development opportunities.

BACT: Your Partner in UAE Education

Preparing a demo lesson can be daunting, but with careful planning and a focus on student engagement, you can turn it into your greatest strength. The UAE educational landscape is dynamic and rewarding, and schools are looking for passionate, prepared, and professional educators.

Let BACT help you prepare for your next big opportunity. Our consultants have insider knowledge of UAE schools and what they look for. We can provide mock interview and demo lesson coaching to ensure you are confident and ready to succeed.