What do you know about Lesson Study? Take two minutes to record what you know (or think you know) about Lesson Study. Then, take a few minutes to talk with your table group.

Lesson Study Post-Lesson Activities Research Lesson Planning Phase RESEARCH LESSON Actual classroom lesson; attending teachers study student thinking, learning, engagement, behavior, etc. Discuss Long Term Goals for Students’ Academic, Social and Ethical Development Choose Content Area and Unit Discuss Learning Goals for Content Area, Unit and Lesson Plan Lessons(s) that Foster Long-Term Goals and Lesson/Unit Goals Discussion of Lesson Discuss research lesson. Focus on evidence of whether the lesson promoted the long-term goals and lesson/unit goals Consolidate Learning Write report that includes lesson plan, data, and summary of discussion. Refine and re-teach the lesson if desired. Or select a new focus of study. Figure 1

Originating in Japan, Lesson Study is a cycle of instructional improvement focused on planning, observing, and revising research lessons.

What is a Research Lesson? 1. Actual classroom lesson with students, watched by other teachers 2. Planned for a long time, collaboratively 3. Brings to life a goal or vision of education 4. Recorded: video, audio, student work 5. Discussed by faculty and sometimes outside commentators

Do Lesson Study groups have to invent a new lesson? Whenever possible, groups should build on the best available lessons, rather than writing a lesson from scratch. A library of lessons is a by-product of Lesson Study – not the goal.

Seeing something once is more important than discussing it one hundred times. -Confucius

Choosing a Lesson Study Theme Think about the students you serve. Your Ideals: What qualities would you like these students to have 5 years from now? The Actual: List their qualities now. The Gap: Compare the ideal and the actual. What are the gaps that you would most like to work on? The Research Theme: (long-term goal) State positively the ideal student qualities you choose to work on. For example: Fundamental academic skills that will ensure students’ progress and a rich sense of human rights. Your research theme:

Lesson Study Provides Opportunities to 1. Think Deeply About Long-term Goals for Students 2. Carefully Consider the Goals of a Particular Content Area, Unit, and Lesson 3. Study the Best Available Lessons 4. Plan Lessons that Bring to Life both Short-term and Long-term goals 5. Deepen Subject Matter Knowledge 6. Develop Instructional Knowledge 7. Build Capacity for Collegial Learning 8. Develop the “Eyes to See Students”

Data Collected During Lesson Study Academic Learning How did images of heated air change? Did students shift from simple counting to more flexible method? Did dramatic role-play spark higher quality and quantity of writing? In their journals, what did students write as their learnings? Motivation Percent of children who raised hands Body language, “aha” comments, shining eyes Social Behavior How many times do students refer to and build on classmates’ comments? How often do the five quietist students speak up? Are students friendly and respectful? Student Attitudes Toward Lesson What did you like and dislike about the lesson?

Teachers’ Activities to Improve Instruction Choose curriculum, write curriculum, align curriculum, write local standards U.S. JAPAN Plan lessons individually Plan lessons collaboratively Watch and discuss each other’s classroom lessons

Begins with answer Driven by expert Communication trainer -> teachers Relationships hierarchical Research informs practice Begins with question Driven by participants Communication among teachers Relationship reciprocal Practice is research TRADITIONAL RESEARCH LESSONS By Lynn Liptak, Paterson School #2, New Jersey. Professional Development

Lesson Study differs from LESSON PLANNING CURRICULUM WRITING COACHING/MENTORING DEMONSTRATION LESSONS BASIC RESEARCH

What’s next? The learning focus of the next learning community forum is identifying and dealing with student preconceptions. The Lesson Study focus will be planning the research lesson. The next learning community forum will be in Port Angeles at the Vern Burton Center on Friday, January 21.

Lesson Study Resources