Lesson Study: Professional Development in Education

Study Notes

Lesson Study in Japan

Lesson Study is a professional development approach that has its roots in Japan. It involves teachers collaborating on planning, teaching, observation, reflection, and analysis of lessons to improve student learning. This method is considered one of the most effective forms of teacher collaboration and professional development due to its emphasis on reflection and action research.

Origins of Lesson Study

The origins of Lesson Study can be traced back to the 1990s when Japanese school districts began experimenting with new ways of designing instructional programs, including developing a new role for principals in the support and supervision of teachers' classroom activities. Lesson Study was seen as a means to achieve these goals.

Key Components of Lesson Study

Lesson study consists of five key components: planning, observing, reflecting, debriefing, and revising. These components work together to create a cycle of continuous improvement in teaching practices.

Planning

In the planning phase, teachers collaborate to design a lesson that addresses a specific learning goal. This involves breaking down the goal into smaller, manageable tasks and considering the materials, procedures, and assessment methods that will be used.

Observing

During the observation phase, teachers watch the lesson being taught and take notes on the students' interactions, the teacher's responses, and any unexpected events.

Reflecting

After the lesson, teachers engage in a reflective dialogue about the lesson's strengths and weaknesses. They discuss what worked well and what could be improved, considering both the students' perspectives and their own.

Debriefing

The debriefing phase involves discussing what was learned from the lesson and how it can be applied to future lessons. Teachers consider the implications of their findings for their own teaching practices and for the school's overall instructional program.

Revising

In the revising phase, teachers make changes based on their reflections and debriefing discussions. They may revise the lesson plan, change strategies, or adapt materials to better address the learning goal.

Benefits of Lesson Study

Lesson Study has been shown to have several benefits for teachers and students. It fosters collaboration and professional development, encourages reflection and action research, and leads to improved teaching practices and student learning.

Replication of Lesson Study in the United States

The success of Lesson Study in Japan led to its replication in the United States, where it has been implemented in various school districts. However, there have been challenges in fully integrating Lesson Study into U.S. schools, such as adapting it to different contexts and cultures. Despite these challenges, Lesson Study continues to be a valuable tool for improving teaching practices and student learning across both countries.

Description

Explore the concept of Lesson Study, a collaborative professional development approach originating from Japan. Learn about the key components, benefits, and replication of Lesson Study in the United States.