The PPP Framework (And When Not to Use It)
What PPP actually is
PPP stands for Presentation, Practice, Production. It is the most widely taught lesson framework in TEFL and CELTA courses, and for good reason: it is simple, logical, and easy to plan around. Presentation: You introduce the target language. Students listen and observe. Practice: Students use the language in controlled activities. You monitor and correct. Production: Students use the language freely with minimal teacher intervention. Think of it as a gradual release of control from teacher to student.
Presentation: Teacher shows 6 past tense verbs on the board with example sentences.
Teacher-centered stage
Practice: Students complete gap-fill exercises using those verbs.
Controlled, accuracy-focused
Production: Students tell a partner about their last vacation using past tense.
Free, fluency-focused
Tip
PPP works best for discrete grammar points and functional language. It struggles with complex skills work.