Lesson Study: Approach in the Development of Lesson Exemplar in Biology for Senior High School

Abstract

This research incorporated the principles of lesson study in the development of lesson exemplars in general biology 1 for senior high school. Teachers’ need assessment was administered to determine the biology teachers’ level of awareness on lesson study and learning gaps identified through the administration of a validated and reliability tested 30-item needs assessment survey questionnaire for lesson study group teachers and 60-item multiple choice - Test Questionnaire on Students Learning Gaps in Biology (TQSLG),respectively. Results showed that teachers’ overall needs in the lesson study was described as “aware” additionally, one of the three dimensions on the teachers’ role in lesson study was described as “partly aware” indicating that there are ambiguity in the understanding of teachers in the lesson study. Consequently, Grade 12 Senior High School learners exhibit “beginning” level of knowledge on topics of Cell structure and Function, Cell Types and Cell transport which in general was considered as learning gaps. The gaps identified directed the training of biology teachers on the lesson study and its execution to the development of biology lesson exemplars. The participants of the lesson study implementation include the following: six biology teachers and 88 Grade 12 STEM learners of a public high school in the province of Iloilo. Six lesson exemplars collaboratively developed by the lesson study group teachers which addressed the identified learning gaps was implemented using Lesson study. This includes Count me in! Cell parts and Function, Plant and Animal Cells: Side by Side, Tracing the phases of Mitosis, A walk along Meiosis alley, Free FLOW: Passive Transport, and No Energy, No Entry!. Moreover, teachers’ reflection showed that lesson study are interesting, beneficial and student centered however the process was considered to be tedious and time consuming. Lesson study was found out to be beneficial both for the learners and the teachers. Collaboration, revision and re-teaching are important parts of the lesson study. Moreover, members of the lesson study must have a common schedule, a Learning resource center, support from administration and mandate to incorporate Lesson study in the curriculum are essential in order to facilitate the implementation of the Lesson Study.