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Lesson Study consists of a number of planned steps, each of which involves
analysis and reflection. It is this process of analysis and
reflection that allows teachers to develop an ongoing, every-day awareness of
how one’s actions, reactions and presentation in the classroom affect student
learning. As Makoto Yoshido, one of Lesson Study’s founders, says:
Lesson Study “gives teachers the opportunity to investigate their
instructional materials and classroom teaching practices by examining
students’ ways of thinking, understanding and learning. Lesson Study can then
stimulate new ideas for improving instructional materials, teaching and
student learning.”
This keen focus on how students learn shifts teachers away from:
- what is presented (“What do I have to cover today?”)
- to -
- how that material is presented (“How do I present this material so that
my students will more easily or better learn this content?”)
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In a nutshell, Lesson Study involves a group of teaching professionals who
come together to consider a specific lesson in detail and in context of
larger goals.
- Together, they plan improvements to the chosen lesson.
- One of the team teaches the lesson.
- Other team members observe classroom dynamics and student learning.
- Later, the team re-groups to discuss what went as planned and that
which did not.
- Together they revise the lesson to further improve effectiveness and
document its results.
Lesson Study Steps
- Forming a Group
- Establishing the Research Theme
- Choosing a Subject Area
- Planning the Research Lesson
- Teaching and Observing the Research Lesson
- Debriefing the Research Lesson
- Planning and Reflection
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