Lesson Study Cycle Research Articles

Implementing assessment protocols in compulsory school for students with intellectual disabilities: challenges and opportunities for teachers educating students with intellectual disabilities

PurposeThis study investigates the impact of integrating structured assessment protocols within the Japanese lesson study (JLS) framework in Swedish Compulsory School for Students with Intellectual Disabilities (CSSID). The purpose is to explore whether such integration can enhance teachers’ professional certainty in assessing and supporting students with intellectual disability (ID), aligning educational practices with inclusive legislative mandates.Design/methodology/approachThe study utilized structured assessment protocols during lesson study cycles, where teachers observed and discussed research lessons based on predefined learning objectives. Data were collected through questionnaires, assessment protocols and post-lesson discussions, then analyzed using narrative and descriptive statistical methods.FindingsThe integration of structured assessment protocols in lesson studies enhanced teachers’ focus and clarity in assessing and supporting students with ID, improving their perceptions of student engagement, interest and understanding. However, challenges in adapting the protocols to varied teaching contexts and student needs limited the overall impact on professional certainty.Practical implicationsThis study examines the adaptability of integrating lesson study with assessment protocols in special education settings. It demonstrates that structured assessment protocols used within the lesson study process provide a common focus on academic achievements for students with ID.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the field by demonstrating the potential of modifying traditional lesson study approaches to include structured assessment protocols, particularly in the context of special education. It highlights the need for ongoing professional development and sustainable assessment strategies that support the diverse learning needs of students with ID.

Lesson Study, Differentiated Instruction and Professional Development of Teachers: Exploring the Relationship in Secondary Schools in Greece

The main purpose of this paper is to present the results of research, that aimed to investigate the effect of lesson study as a professional development activity on the effective implementation of differentiated instruction and, above all, to identify which specific characteristics of lesson study as a professional development activity influence the plan, implementation, and understanding of the differentiation by the teachers, in the teaching of the Modern Greek Language course of the 2nd class of Lyceum. The research was qualitative and grounded theory data collection and analysis techniques were used, in the context of its implementation. The research was carried out in three schools in two municipalities of Eastern Attica, with the participation of four teachers and eighty students. Data were collected before, during, and after the lesson study cycle and included classroom observations, interviews of the participating teachers, protocols for planning, observing, revising, and reflecting on the research lesson as well as transcripts of teacher meetings and the teaching of the research lesson, diaries, which were kept during the implementation of the lesson study, students' assignments as well as their interviews after the teaching. The research showed that the lesson study cycle outcomes for each participating teacher were greatly influenced by the completion of all stages of a lesson study cycle, as there were no characteristics that alone accounted for these outcomes. Teachers' thoughts and opinions about the process support this finding. All participants referred to their positive experience of the lesson study process holistically, demonstrating that all stages of the lesson study cycle are important and interdependent.

Bringing academic disciplines together to focus on literacy: a secondary school case study

PurposeThe purpose of this qualitative study was to bring together teachers from different academic disciplines to engage them in lesson study (LS) cycles with a focus on literacy.Design/methodology/approachThis research employed a qualitative case study and occurred in one secondary school along the Texas (USA) and Mexico border. Ten teachers representing six academic disciplines participated in eight LS cycles to reflect on their knowledge of literacy, including when, if at all, they integrated literacy when planning and teaching lessons. About 20 students shared their impressions, feelings and thoughts about the lessons.FindingsTeachers learned that literacy standards exist in each academic discipline and that integrating reading and writing during lessons allowed for more increased dialogue between/among teachers and students. The principal learned that teachers from all academic disciplines need differentiated, sustained professional learning opportunities on how to teach literacy skills.Originality/valueTeachers often work alone or within their respective academic departments, whereas this project focused on secondary teachers from six academic disciplines taking part in LS cycles with a common focus on literacy. Sustained opportunities for teachers to study their standards and curriculum materials, plan and teach lessons and share perspectives from classroom observations resulted in new knowledge about ways to include literacy in any academic discipline. A schoolwide professional learning community focused on literacy could act as a catalyst for instructional change.

THE EFFECT OF LESSON STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF DIFFERENTIATED INSTRUCTION: RESULTS OF RESEARCH ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN GREECE

The main purpose of this paper is to present the results of the research, which aimed to investigate the effect of lesson study on the way teachers plan, implement, and understand differentiated instruction in the context of teaching the Modern Greek language course of 2nd class of the Lyceum. The research was qualitative and in the context of its implementation, grounded theory data collection and analysis techniques were used. The research was carried out in three schools in two municipalities of Eastern Attica, with the participation of four teachers and eighty students in a lesson study cycle. Data were collected before, during and after the lesson study cycle and included classroom observations, interviews of participating teachers, protocols for planning, observing, revising and reflecting on the research lesson as well as transcripts of teacher meetings and the teaching of the research lesson, diaries, which were kept during the implementation of the lesson study, students' assignments as well as their interviews after the teaching. The results of the research showed that lesson study helped teachers to develop flexibility in planning their teaching, encouraged them to implement new differentiation strategies and techniques, and pushed them to manage differentiation actively and successfully implement it, addressing the needs of students and the challenges of teaching, influencing their existing beliefs and practices. In addition, from the research, it emerged that the teachers' goals for the lesson study were realized, as well as the teachers planned the learning goals of the research lesson and created activities for formative assessment.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0762/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Collaborative inquiry in action: a case study of lesson study for intercultural education

The evolving nature of intercultural education necessitates a shift from static to reflective pedagogies among teachers. This case study investigates the efficacy of a collaborative lesson study (LS) approach in enhancing Chinese university instructors' proficiency in participatory, non-essentialist intercultural teaching. Six English as a Foreign Language instructors at a Chinese university engaged in three iterative LS cycles over one month, integrating new intercultural communication materials into their classes. Data were collected through lesson documents, observations, discussions, and interviews. The immersive LS process significantly expanded instructors' understanding of key intercultural communication concepts, encouraged the adoption of more student-centered methodologies, and prompted critical reflection on prior cultural assumptions. The collaborative engagement facilitated a deeper theoretical grasp and practical application of non-essentialist principles. Challenges included time constraints due to teaching workloads, discomfort in peer feedback exchange, and a broader lack of coordinated intercultural teacher training. Despite these challenges, this study underscores the potential of LS as a robust model for advancing intercultural teaching capacity through collaborative inquiry. It hints at the promise of LS in bridging the theory–practice divide in intercultural education, paving the way for more nuanced, non-essentialist instruction.

Transforming maker mindsets: A case study of elementary students in a maker education context during lesson study

Utilizing a case study approach, this research investigates the transformation of elementary students' Maker mindsets within the context of Maker education through a lesson study cycle. The study focuses on the Maker mindsets transformation of three students with varying abilities, deliberately chosen as information-rich participants. A project-specific questionnaire, the Maker Mindsets Scale, was employed to facilitate self-assessment of Maker mindsets before and after intervention. Additionally, teachers' post-lesson discussion meetings were observed, and semi-structured interviews with participating teachers were conducted to gauge their perceptions of students' Maker mindsets transformation. The analysis encompassed students' semi-structured reflection logs and interviews to uncover the underlying factors driving Maker mindsets transformation. The results revealed distinct variations in how students of different abilities perceived their Maker mindsets transformation. Nonetheless, participant teachers consistently observed transformations in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) thinking skills, self-efficacy, motivation, and collaborative learning across all students. The study further identifies a collaborative convergence of multiple factors contributing to Maker mindsets transformation, spanning teacher, student, and pedagogical perspectives. These findings carry significant implications for educators, advocating for the implementation of customized strategies, authentic contextualization, structured methodologies, and collaborative frameworks to holistically nurture Maker mindsets evolution. Moreover, our study underscores the practicality of the LS approach in fostering collaborative development of innovative pedagogical strategies aimed at fostering Maker mindsets formation.

Primary teachers’ learning experiences of integrated STEM education

With increasing focus on primary curricular reform in Ireland, there is a growing recognition of the significance of early childhood education. As a result, professional development organisations are now examining the effectiveness of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education for young children. This study investigates how teachers in a multi-grade primary school initially approached teaching integrated STEM lessons to children aged 4–7 years. Over the course of one school year, three teachers engaged in four cycles of lesson study. Through an action research approach, the researchers collected qualitative data from interviews, lesson plans, collaborative weekly meetings and observation sheets. The study identified difficulties associated with the teachers’ limited comprehension of integrated STEM education and demonstrated how the Engineering Design Process helped to mitigate these challenges. The findings offer valuable insights into the knowledge requirements involved in developing children’s 21st century skills. The research concluded that teachers enhanced children’s STEM learning by providing opportunities for them to explore their curiosity, make predictions and experiment through open-ended play experiences.

Integrating inquiry and mathematical modeling when teaching a common topic in lower secondary school: an iSTEM approach

The world has been increasingly shaped by Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This has resulted in educational systems across the globe implementing STEM education. To reap maximum benefits, researchers are now advocating for the integration of STEM domains. In recent studies, the integration of science and mathematics has become increasingly popular. The domains are much more suitable for integration because of their fields of application and their mutual approach toward problem-solving. However, there is little empirical evidence to drive the development of a practical model for classroom implementation. This study aims to cover that gap through integrating mathematics and science concepts when teaching a common topic to two classes of Form 1 (13–14 years) students. A mathematics and a science teacher went through two cycles of lesson study, integrating and teaching the concept of density. Results show a strong synergy between the BSCS 5E instructional model of inquiry and mathematical modeling; hence the methodological approaches can be used to integrate common topics like density. Further, teacher collaboration, teacher immersion in the iSTEM practices, teacher’s knowledge, and skills of the other subject and an in-depth understanding of a problem and its contextualization, are variables that can be capitalized on to enhance the teacher’s capacity to implement innovative and integrated STEM programs effectively.

Unveiling maker mindsets: a journey of formation and transformation through design thinking-making pedagogy within a lesson study context

Maker Education (ME) focuses on fostering students’ Maker Mindsets (MM). However, prevailing ME practices often lack a structured approach, that impedes the effective development of students’ MM. To address this challenge, a Design Thinking-making pedagogy (DTMP) is used to design ME lessons through a three-month Lesson Study (LS) cycle. Employing a qualitative multiple case study methodology, we studied the development and transformation of MM in three elementary school students. Diverse data were collected, including student artifacts, video recordings of teacher discussions, and audio recordings of the interviews. The findings revealed common cognitive, self-efficacy, and collaboration improvements among the three students. Unique changes in individual cognitive skills, motivational patterns, and obstacles to collaboration were also observed. Furthermore, key factors influencing MM development were identified across individual, social, and pedagogical dimensions. Individual factors included prior knowledge, maker skills, and motivation, whereas social factors included teachers’ attitudes, recognition, feedback, and peer collaboration. Pedagogical practices, such as project difficulty, structure, and authenticity, play a crucial role in MM development. This study not only contributes valuable insights into MM development, but also underscores the pivotal role of tailored, personal real-life experiences in ME pedagogy. Furthermore, our study suggests that teachers can enhance ME pedagogy by intentionally designing it to facilitate MM in students, using the LS approach.

Implementation of Lesson Study in the context of STEM education in a rural setting in Ireland: challenges and opportunities

PurposeThis research seeks to explore the potential of Lesson Study as a vehicle to support professional development (PD) in a rural, Irish primary school. Lesson Study was utilised to design and implement integrated STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) lessons with young children (ages 4–7 years).Design/methodology/approachThree teachers were introduced to and participated in four cycles of Lesson Study over the course of one school year. Qualitative data were generated from interviews, collaborative weekly meetings and observation sheets.FindingsAnalysis suggests that Lesson Study supported the development of a culture of collaboration and provided an opportunity for teachers to share their knowledge. Findings also reveal that Lesson Study motivated teachers to reflect on their role within the classroom and enabled them to move away from teacher-led approaches. Although teachers perceived Lesson Study to be a beneficial form of PD, factors constrained their engagement, including practical, cultural and sustainability challenges.Practical implicationsThe study explores the adaptability of Lesson Study in first level education in the context of STEM education. It reveals teachers’ first experience of Lesson Study, given its stark contrast to more “traditional” PD experiences they are accustomed to. This article will, therefore, be of interest to teachers, school leaders and policy makers.Originality/valueThis paper contributes initial findings to a currently under-researched area, Lesson Study in a rural context. This study also combines Lesson Study with STEM education, which has not been widely explored.

From beginning to mature: investigating the development of teacher community through Lesson Study

This research investigates the potential of Lesson Study to develop teachers’ professional community. Situated in two case study schools, Doone and Crannog (both pseudonyms), where mathematics teachers participated in multiple, successive cycles of Lesson Study over the course of one academic year, the research details the development of teacher community through teachers’ conversations and reflections. Data was generated through audio recordings of teachers’ Lesson Study meetings and individual interviews with participating teachers. Analysis is based on a framework of professional teacher community which describes discrete phases of development from beginning to mature. Findings from the research suggest that groups of teachers may begin their Lesson Study work at different stages of evolution of teacher community and that Lesson Study has the potential to strength and develop such community over successive cycles. The research demonstrates that teachers’ participation in Lesson Study can provide them with opportunities to recognize and express communal responsibility for individual growth of colleagues, a key feature in the formation of teacher community. The research also highlights the importance of navigating fault lines or differences in ideas and opinions during the Lesson Study work. Findings may offer guidance to facilitators of Lesson Study on elements of teachers’ collaborative work which may benefit from additional focus, such as productively engaging with conflict within a group. This research contributes to the literature on Lesson Study in outlining how this model of professional development may provide a powerful structure within which teacher community can be developed.

Using lesson study to help mathematics teachers enhance students’ problem-solving skills with teaching through problem solving

As a central objective, problem-solving skills are important in the mathematics curricula of many countries. However, such skills tend to receive limited and rarely systematic attention in mathematics lessons, including in the Netherlands. To address this gap, the authors adopt a specific approach that defines problem solving as integral to mathematics: Teaching mathematics Through Problem solving (TTP). In Japan, teachers often learn about TTP by performing Lesson Study (LS), an approach in which teachers work in teams to design and conduct a research lesson that allows them to learn collectively about students’ learning processes. TTP offers a promising, structured, didactical approach to introducing problem solving in mathematics lessons, and LS appears to represent an effective means for teachers to learn about TTP. To test this proposition, the current study entails a TTP- and LS-based intervention implemented in two secondary schools in the Netherlands, with an explicit focus on problem-solving skills. The central research objective for this study is to determine whether this TTP-LS-intervention helps mathematics teachers incorporate problem-solving skills into their lessons and how design characteristics and mechanisms of the intervention affect the outcomes. Interviews with teachers provide insights into which characteristics of the TTP-LS intervention fostered the implementation of problem solving in their teaching practice, as well as which did not. The collected data show that the teachers regard TTP as a valuable pedagogy to teaching mathematical problem solving. They report that the joint development, implementation, and evaluation of TTP lessons in the LS cycles, and especially observations of students, has given them more tools for applying TTP pedagogy and that they use these tools to promote problem-solving skills. Elements of the TTP lessons that the teachers perceived as difficult were the lesson phases that featured discussions on solution strategies rather than finding the “right” answers. Teachers regarded LS as a suitable approach for learning about TTP. Some points for improvement also emerged from the data. For example, more support should be given to TTP-LS-teams to explain the problem-solving skills they want to target in their lessons, and to practice especially the classroom discussion and summary phase.

Pre-service Teachers’ Knowledge of Statistical Questions in the Context of Lesson Study

Purpose: This study aims to investigate the evolvement of pre-service teachers’ (PTs’) content and pedagogical content knowledge related to formulating statistical questions and its role in doing statistics through their participation in a lesson study. Design/Methodology/Approach: A case study was employed, involving three PTs who participated in three lesson study sessions. Each group member implemented a lesson plan, initially in the university classroom and subsequently in a real classroom. The authors, the mentor teacher, and the group members observed the implementations and shared their insights. Data were collected through lesson plans, observations, and video recordings. The changes in PTs' knowledge were analyzed within the identified knowledge domains. Findings: Initially the PTs did not have doing statistics starts with statistical questions, and these questions affect all phases of doing statistics. In task design, they omitted a problem statement guiding students to formulate a question and provided limited opportunities for students to contemplate problems leading to a statistical investigation. As the lesson study progressed, they began recognizing the significance of formulating a question. They became more attentive to students' prior knowledge and misconceptions. Highlights: In the development of the PTs’ knowledge and skills about formulating questions, some activities they conducted throughout the lesson study cycles are thought to be effective. Although they gained awareness about formulating questions in doing statistics, challenges persisted even in the last lesson study cycle. From this perspective, extended studies are necessary to elucidate the evolution of teacher knowledge.

Freirean dialogic action in Brazilian public schools: a Lesson Study contribution to teacher development

ABSTRACT Recalling Freire's lessons on education and teacher development, this study embraces the transformative power of dialogue. In the context of Brazilian public schools, where education faces challenges such as rigid curriculum prescriptions, the researchers implemented a Lesson Study cycle as a dialogic teacher development intervention. Despite constraints, it fostered a collaborative and dialogic space, enabling English teachers to share and reflect in formative interactions. This approach allowed for critical discussions, empowered teacher agency, and enhanced the quality of English teaching. Inspired by Freire's vision, dialogic Lesson Study proved to be a liberating experience for teachers, promoting active and meaningful practices.

Exploring Mathematics Teachers’ Noticing as Pedagogical Discourse Through an Adapted Lesson Study

Although positive effects of lesson study on teachers learning are reported, only some studies have investigated teacher noticing as an analytical tool for supporting teachers with an explicit focus, as in LS, and more empirical evidence is needed. This qualitative interpretive case study design aims to investigate the noticing processes of a group of mathematics teachers conducting a lesson study cycle focused on teaching algebraic expressions using manipulatives in middle school. Data is collected through the audio recordings of the participants’ lesson study meetings. Participants were six elementary mathematics teachers who attended a graduate course selected based on voluntariness. This study aims to incorporate Lee and Choy’s (2019) teacher noticing framework with Sfard’s (2008) commognitive theory, which views learning as changes in discourse and noticing as a discourse structure covering observation, interpretation, and reasoning processes (van Es, 2011). Results showed that teachers focused more on aspects of students’ learning than issues of their instructional practice. However, their noticing was mostly related to future decisions and actions regarding issues of teaching methods and sequencing of the lesson, whereas teachers’ dominant noticing form related to students learning was interpretive. Results illustrate the applicability of these noticing frameworks as an analytic tool where noticing is conceptualized as a pedagogical discourse for the analysis of a lesson study review discussion by a group of mathematics teachers who focus on teaching algebraic expressions.

Pre-service mathematics teachers’ learning to notice student statistical thinking in the context of lesson study

It is important to note that the development of pre-service teachers’ noticing abilities does not happen spontaneously; hence, assistance programs are crucial. This qualitative study aimed to examine pre-service teachers’ noticing of student thinking within the context of lesson study.<b> </b>Three pre-service teachers conducted three lesson study cycles. Lesson plans, voice and video recordings of lesson study meetings and implementations, observations, field notes, and reflective writings are used as data collection techniques. The findings indicated that the pre-service teachers’ early levels of noticing were constrained. Their noticing levels increased as the lesson study progressed. Hence, the improvement of pre-service teachers’ noticing abilities can be assisted by lesson study. Activities such as planning, reflection and implementation helped pre-service teachers develop their noticing levels. To enhance the development of noticing skills, it can be proposed that lesson study should be integrated into teacher training programs.

Inquiry Learning and Lesson Study Activities on Improving Mathematical Critical Thinking Ability of Madrasa Students

Learning mathematics requires students to always be active in the learning process because mathematics is a field of science that prioritizes high intellectual quality and not just knowledge that is informative and theoretical. One of the intellectual qualities can be seen from the ability to think critically and is one of the needs of students in learning mathematics. But the fact is that currently, learning is still dominated by the lecture method and rarely facilitates students to develop their critical thinking skills. Appropriate teaching and learning strategies approaches, and models are needed to train mathematical abilities. Therefore, teachers are expected to be able to determine the right strategy so that learning objectives are more optimal. In this study, researchers analyzed how the results after applying inquiry learning strategies and Lesson Study activities affected students' critical thinking skills. The study population was students of class XI Madrasah Aliyah Mu'allimat NW Pancor, and the sample was determined by purposive sampling technique as many as 38 students. Research data were collected using documentation, questionnaires, observation sheets, and math substance tests. This research was conducted through four Lesson Study cycles. After carrying out this process, it was found that there were positive results from the application of inquiry learning strategies and Lesson Study activities to improve student's critical thinking skills in mathematics. Received : 01-06-2023 Revised : 01-06-2023 Accepted : 19-06-2023 Online : 26-06-2023 Keywords: Mathematical Critical Thinking Ability; Inquiry Learning; Lesson Study. Copyright©2023 by authors, all rights reserved. Authors agree

Teachers’ mathematical problem-solving knowledge: In what way is it constructed during teachers’ collaborative work?

This research aims to analyze the type of mathematics problem-solving knowledge for teaching used when working collaboratively in a Lesson Study (LS) process and examine how dialogic interactions contribute to knowledge construction. Five meetings during one LS cycle of a group of eight Swiss primary teachers were video recorded, transcribed and coded with the help of qualitative data analysis software. This analysis is conducted by crossing theoretical frameworks from two different fields in education, namely mathematics education and dialogic analysis. The mixed-method uses quantitative analysis with Markov chains and cross-tables, as well as qualitative analysis at micro-, meso- and macro-levels. This research suggests that participants collectively use their mathematics and their problem-solving content knowledge to focus on pedagogical problem-solving knowledge, that they navigate between different knowledge levels and that the roles of teachers and facilitators are differentiated but are also coequal.

Lesson study in physical education: a collaborative and contextualised approach to initial teacher training

ABSTRACT Lesson study is a collaborative and contextualised approach to professional learning that involves small groups of teachers working together to design and reflect on the teaching of a research lesson. Although it is a well-established approach to professional learning in classroom-based subjects, research on its effectiveness within physical education (PE) initial teacher training (ITT) and in the general practice of PE teachers is scarce. This study examines the views of 18 secondary PE associate teachers (ATs) who completed a lesson study cycle as part of their one-year postgraduate ITT programme. A questionnaire and semi-structured interviews – conducted at the end of the lesson study and six months later at the end of the programme – were used to generate data. Thematic analysis was then used to interrogate the data and identify patterns of response. The findings revealed that the ATs benefitted from the experience in similar ways to established teachers. They developed their understanding of lesson research and engaged in elevated levels of critical reflection that helped to change and develop their approaches to teaching and learning. Moreover, the ATs recognised that their learning was enhanced when they could rehearse the phases of the cycle before starting the lesson study in their placement school. They also understood the value of a mentor who could support their progress and ensure their full engagement in all phases of the lesson study cycle. These findings have implications for providers of ITT as the considered inclusion of lesson study contributed to the immediate aim of developing ATs’ teaching competencies while also promoting the skills needed for them to manage their own ongoing learning as fully qualified teachers.

Teacher-Student’s Interaction Analyzes on Physics Learning through Lesson Analysis (Case Study: Lesson Study Implementation in SMA Pontianak)

Through lesson analysis, this research analyzed teacher interaction in science classes, particularly in physics classes in one of the secondary schools at Pontianak, West Kalimantan. A qualitative method is used in this study by analyzing tape recording and video. This study has four stages of implementing lesson study cycles. It starts with planning lesson design, implementation with observation containing student and teacher responses during the lesson, reflection, and revised lesson design. Video tapped, and transcripts are employed in each lesson. The analysis showed that a teacher dominated the lesson at 62.3%, while students only made up 37.4% of the total conversations during their lessons. Knowing the interaction of teacher and students in the learning process could help the teacher to make improvements in learning based on reflections from the responses of students and teachers.