What component of a lesson outline introduces the lesson and determines its direction?

The component of a lesson outline that introduces the lesson and determines its direction is the learning outcomes. Learning outcomes clearly define what students are expected to know and be able to accomplish by the end of the lesson. They serve as a guide for both the instructor and the students, establishing the goals of the instruction and indicating the skills or knowledge that will be developed during the session. This clarity helps communicate the purpose of the lesson and sets the stage for the content and activities that will follow.

The learning outcomes also assist in planning the lesson structure and inform the assessment criteria, ensuring that evaluation methods align with the desired educational goals. While other components like content summaries, prerequisites, and assessment criteria play important roles in the overall lesson planning, they do not have the same foundational function as learning outcomes in directing the flow and purpose of the instructional session.