What is lesson study?
Lesson study (Jugyokenkyu) is a form of long-term professional development, refined in Japan, in
which teachers systematically and collaboratively conduct research on teaching and learning in
classrooms in order to improve their teaching and enrich students' learning experiences.
A lesson study cycle generally involves a group of teachers collaboratively planning based upon a
research theme, implementing the lesson in a classroom, collecting observation data, reflecting
upon and discussing the data, and developing a record of their activity.
Lesson study is more than studying instructional materials and developing useful lessons. It also
explores ideas for improved teaching that bring out students' thinking and thinking processes;
helping students to develop mental images for solving problems and understanding the topic; and
expanding those skills and abilities.
Lesson study is a comprehensive approach to professional development that helps teachers
develop ways of:
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thinking about teaching and learning in the classroom
planning lessons
observing how students are thinking and learning and taking appropriate actions
reflecting and discussing about teaching
identifying and recognizing knowledge and skills necessary to improve their practice
and seek new solutions.
Lesson study supports teachers in becoming lifelong learners about how to develop and improve
teaching and learning in the classroom.
Source: www.rbs.org (Research for Better Schools)
Other Lesson Study websites:
www.lessonresearch.net (Lesson Study Group at Mills College- Catherine Lewis, Ph.D.)
www.globaledresources.com (Makoto Yoshida, Ph.D.)
www.tc.edu/lessonstudy (Teachers College at Columbia University-Clea Fernandez,
Ph.D.)
http://mc2.nmsu.edu/mathnm/researchlesson.htm Math New Mexico Project