What does a lesson plan outline?

A lesson plan serves as a comprehensive guide for educators, detailing the specific steps they will take during instruction along with the assessments that will be utilized to evaluate student learning. This includes outlining the objectives of the lesson, the instructional methods, activities, and materials to be employed, as well as how student understanding will be measured. Such a structured framework not only helps teachers stay organized but also allows for a predictable flow of the lesson, ensuring that learning goals are met effectively. By defining these components clearly, a lesson plan ensures that students have a coherent learning experience and that teachers can assess student progress accurately.

The other options reflect different aspects of educational settings but do not capture the essence of what a lesson plan specifically outlines. For example, while a teacher's educational background is important, it does not directly relate to the instructional and assessment strategies planned for a lesson. Similarly, understanding a student's prior knowledge and capabilities is vital for tailoring instruction, but it is not the core purpose of a lesson plan itself. Lastly, the classroom layout and seating arrangement can facilitate learning but are administrative details rather than instructional outlines. Thus, option B is the most aligned with the primary function of a lesson plan.