Lesson Study Research Articles

Cross-Cultural Biology Teaching Using Next-Generation Science Standards

This study explored Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in cross-cultural biology teaching through collaborative lesson studies involving educators from the USA and the Philippines. We employed grounded theory and examined iterative feedback processes during lesson development to refine learning exemplars. Learning exemplars validation affirmed their alignment with both NGSS and the Philippine science education frameworks, ensuring cultural relevance and educational rigor. Five key themes were identified as pivotal: retrieval of prior knowledge, fostering meaningful learning experiences, enhancing memory and retention, fostering active engagement, and cultivating critical thinking skills—integral for developing culturally responsive curricula. Moreover, students became independent learners, responsible for their learning, reflective and critical thinkers, problem solvers, inquiry-oriented, creative, collaborative communicators, modelers, data analysts, persistent, adaptable, and self-directed. Implications include enhancing educational policies to support cultural diversity and integrating cross-cultural learning exemplars to enhance global teaching practices. This study underscored the transformative potential of cross-cultural collaboration in advancing science education, fostering engaging learning environments, and preparing students for global citizenship.

Peningkatan Kemampuan Pedagogi Mahasiswa Melalui Model Lesson Study pada Mata Kuliah Microteaching

The purpose of this research is to improve students pedagogical skills through a lesson study model in microteaching courses. The type of research conducted is descriptive research with a qualitative approach. The subjects of the study were 6 students from the Mathematics Education, Biology Education, English Education and Indonesian Education Study Programs at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Iqra Buru University. Data collection uses observation sheets on the lesson plans made and the learning implementation process. The results of the research obtained are: 1) in preparing the learning implementation plan), from the 7 aspects that were assessed, namely: (1) the completeness of the identity of the RPP is obtained from 65% to 85%; (2) the formulation of learning objectives was obtained from 67.8% to 90%; (3) The description of the subject matter was obtained from 65% to 85%; (4) learning methods, strategies and media were obtained by 58%; to 92.6%; (5) the learning plan was obtained by 66.6%, to 84.3%; (6) The assessment was obtained by 70%, to 90%; and (7) learning resources were obtained by 75%, to 88.5. 2) Implementation (Do) with the application of lesson study there was a very good increase where from 3 aspects that were assessed to obtain ideals, namely (1) Introduction, 68.7% to 88% of categories; (2) Core, 61.6%, to 85%; and (3) 65% cover to 95. In conclusion, the application of the lesson study model in microteaching courses can improve students' pedagogical teaching skills.

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.

The Effectiveness of Case Method in Teaching Calculus using Lesson Study Model

This literature review focuses on the effectiveness of the case method in teaching calculus using the lesson study model. It is structured around three key components: lesson planning, lesson implementation, and evaluation of the teaching process. The first section explores how the case method informs the development of lesson plans, emphasizing real-world problems and student-centered learning strategies to enhance conceptual understanding in calculus. The second section analyzes the practical application of these lesson plans, detailing the interaction between instructors and students, the role of collaboration, and adaptive teaching practices. Lastly, the evaluation phase examines how the lesson study model supports reflective teaching, enabling continuous improvement through feedback and analysis of student outcomes, ultimately leading to more effective calculus instruction.

Penguatan Karakter Integritas Siswa Melalui Lesson Study Dalam Upaya Pencegahan Bullying di SMP Negeri 2 Percut Sei Tuan

This study aims to determine the strengthening of students' integrity character through the Lesson Study model as an effort to prevent bullying at SMP Negeri 2 Percut Sei Tuan. Lesson study is a model for fostering the profession of educators and education personnel through collaborative and continuous learning assessments based on the principles of collegiality and mutual learning to build a learning community. This study is a type of qualitative research with a descriptive analysis method. Data collection techniques in this study are observation, interviews, and documentation. The results of the study obtained are that teachers have carried out their role as character builders through good and responsive responses to every report of bad treatment received by students. However, strengthening students' integrity character is still lacking due to the less than optimal implementation of lesson study. The implementation of lesson study at SMP Negeri 2 Percut Sei Tuan is still less than optimal due to the lack of teacher understanding regarding the importance of implementing the lesson study. Teachers still do not understand the stages of lesson study, namely plan (planning), do (implementation), and see (reflection).

Pedagogical content knowledge in physical education preservice teachers in view of researching on lesson studies

PurposeResearching on lesson studies in initial training of physical education (PE) teachers in Portugal, our group is especially interested in the potential of this methodology for developing the pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of future PE teachers. The purpose of the present text is to synthesize the knowledge relating to this subject.Design/methodology/approachExploratory searches in four multiple search databases were carried out, resulting in 51 records. Information about authors, year of publication, purposes, methodology and results was collected and analyzed.FindingsResults highlight the diversity of purposes. The interview is recurrent in the qualitative studies, while the questionnaire is used in all the large quantitative studies. Regarding the findings, it appears the centrality of PCK, its development potential and its measurability, the consistency of the concept and its evolutionary dynamics, as well as the constructive criticism of initial teacher training models and practices.Originality/valueTo emphasize the relationship between lesson studies and the development of PCK in initial teacher training of PE teachers.

Rasch model of teacher readiness instrument for implementing science learning based on Balinese local wisdom

Local culture has undergone significant shifts and alienations, leading to the neglect of societal values. This situation underscores the need for teachers to be well-prepared to incorporate local wisdom into science education, supporting Cultured-Based Learning. This study, conducted from January to June 2022, aimed to assess the relevance of items in a teacher readiness instrument for implementing local wisdom-based science learning in Bali. An ex post facto research design was employed to analyze the preparedness of 72 science teachers in Bali through a detailed questionnaire. The collected ordinal data were converted into an interval scale using the Method of Successive Interval (MSI) and analyzed using the Rasch Model with the Jamovi application to assess item relevance. The study's findings highlight the cognitive and emotional readiness of science teachers as being in the high category, while collegial support and instructional tools are in the low category. These results suggest that improving collegial features and instructional tools through lesson studies and workshops could enhance the integration of local wisdom into science education in Bali.

Studio as a Catalyst for Incremental and Ambitious Teacher Learning

This article explores how the practice-focused Studio professional learning (PL) model can provide incremental and ambitious teacher learning opportunities. We argue that when the model’s structures and practices are grounded in ambitious and equitable teaching, they catalyze incremental teacher learning. Studio, like lesson study, supports teachers in considering the entailments of lessons, focusing on the live shared enactment to strengthen teaching and learning through collaborative analysis and reflection. To build our argument, we drew from two Studio projects that had shared structures of cycles of learning and routines, as well as shared practices of using rich representations and collective interpretations of teaching. While both projects’ structures and practices take up ambitious and equitable teaching, they use different routines and attend to different features of equitable teaching. Building on a history of PL models, such as lesson study, which use similar structures and practices as powerful catalysts of teacher learning, we argue that Studio’s structures and practices can catalyze teachers’ incremental learning of ambitious and equitable teaching. We discuss the implications for future research based on this argument and for those leading PL.

The impact of the lesson study model on students' mathematics achievement and attitudes: a mixed-methods research

PurposeThis article aims to investigate the impact of the Lesson Study (LS) model on students' mathematics achievement and attitudes toward mathematics.Design/methodology/approachThe study employs a concurrent embedded design, a type of mixed methods design. Within this framework, a quantitative pretest-posttest control group quasi-experimental design is applied for quantitative data, while qualitative data is gathered through interviews and observations. A 2×2 mixed ANOVA is used for the analysis of quantitative data, and content analysis is employed for qualitative data analysis.FindingsThe findings reveal that the LS model has a significant positive impact on the mathematics achievement and attitudes of students in the experimental group. Quantitative analysis shows a meaningful improvement in mathematics achievement for the experimental group, which is notably superior than the control group. Additionally, students in the experimental group found mathematics lessons more enjoyable and easier, and their attitudes toward mathematics improved positively. Students' feedback supports these results, with many expressing that LS-based lessons were more engaging and effective. Observations by the researcher, mathematics expert and teacher in the experimental group also corroborate these positive changes.Originality/valueThe results of the study suggest that the LS model should be more widely implemented in mathematics education. This recommendation highlights the potential of the LS model to enhance the teaching process and improve students' mathematics achievement. Furthermore, the study also indicates that LS has a positive impact on students' attitudes toward mathematics, as evidenced by their increased motivation and more positive outlook toward the subject. These findings underscore the LS model’s effectiveness in both improving academic performance and transforming students' attitudes toward mathematics.

Teacher noticing within the context of lesson study: a systematic review and prospective trends

PurposeTeacher noticing is a critical aspect of teaching competence that has garnered significant scholarly attention. This systematic review aims to comprehensively analyze the integration of teacher noticing into lesson study, exploring how different stages of lesson study influence the development of teacher noticing.Design/methodology/approachThis article systematically reviews 15 empirical studies on teacher noticing within the context of lesson study, focusing on research design, subjects, methods, theoretical frameworks and the specific impact of different stages of lesson study on teacher noticing.FindingsThe review reveals a geographical concentration of studies in Western countries, particularly in the United States, with a relative scarcity of research in East Asian contexts. Most studies focus on pre-service teachers, employ qualitative methods and are grounded in Van Es’s (2011) Learning to Notice framework. The findings indicate that different stages of lesson study significantly influence teacher noticing, particularly in the planning, teaching and reflection stages, where shifts in focus and depth of noticing are evident.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper explores how various lesson study stages impact teacher noticing development. It offers future research directions and calls for more cross-cultural studies. Certain activities within classroom research may restrict attention development, particularly when these activities fail to encourage in-depth cognitive analysis across all stages sufficiently. Future research should explore how to avoid these limitations in the classroom research process and design more effective strategies to support deep observation and analysis by teachers at each stage. In the reflection stage of classroom research, certain factors may restrict the focus on student thinking.Practical implicationsBy synthesizing the existing research into a comprehensive narrative, we provide an essential foundation for future studies on teacher noticing within lesson study contexts. This work not only charts the historical development of the field but also encourages more profound and actionable research engagement with the nuanced processes of teacher observation and reflection during lesson studies.Originality/valueThis paper explores how various lesson study stages impact teacher noticing development. It offers future research directions and calls for more cross-cultural studies and a combination of quantitative and qualitative methods to fully understand the effects of lesson studies on teacher noticing.

Contributions of Lesson Study to the reconstruction of teachers' practical knowledge within a virtual setting context. Case study at Universidad Nacional de Educación (Ecuador)

PurposeThis article examines the training of nine practising teachers and the development of their practical thinking through Lesson Study (LS) at Universidad Nacional de Educación (UNAE). The study therefore aims to describe and understand how this group of teachers might reconstruct their practical knowledge while engaging in the LS experience in a virtual setting.Design/methodology/approachA case study was conducted with (virtual) field immersion, qualitatively collecting and analysing data through observations, interviews, a focus group and written outputs.FindingsReconstructions and reinforcements were evident in each of the five dimensions of practical thinking (Soto et al., 2019; Pérez-Gómez, 2022) and in certain knowledge and values, in addition to various skills, attitudes and emotions. The main findings of the study relate to the importance of planning to avoid improvisation, viewing the teaching methodology as a flexible process, developing student autonomy, understanding and managing technological and digital tools and being prepared for uncertain situations.Originality/valueIt is understood that Lesson Study is a strategy that strengthens and enhances understanding of teachers’ knowledge, even in the virtual context and should therefore be considered for the ongoing professional development of teachers in Ecuador.

OKE STAR: Supporting the success of lesson study in high school

The first aim of our study is to document how the SBLS implementation process works. The second aim is to analyze teacher and student responses to implementing a School Based Lesson Study (SBLS). This research is survey research. The survey was conducted at one of the state high schools in Malang. The data collection process was carried out through observation, interviews, and the administration of questionnaires. Data collection was carried out in May 2024. Participants in this study were 33 students. They are 1 school principal, three Indonesian language subject teachers, and 29 class XI science students. A total of 16 male students and 13 female students. The students' ages range from 15 to 16 years. Observation, interviews, and student and teacher response questionnaires collected data. Data was analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. The survey results show that implementing Lesson Study (LS) in schools has gone well. Students no longer look awkward when observed; teachers are skilled at planning and reflecting on learning outcomes. The school principal actively participates in LS activities by implementing the OKE STAR method. The response of teachers and students to learning that uses LS activities is very good.

Enacting Creative Thinking Skills Using Design Process in Technology Classrooms

Creativity is rapidly becoming central to scholarly discourse, research, and education practice. It is central to modern society and forms the basis for innovation and progress. In the current era, creative thinking skills (CTS) are pivotal skills one must possess to compete, succeed, and participate in the global economy. Therefore, the Ministry of Education must ensure the cultivation of such skills in today’s classrooms to produce the kind of learners that will be the perfect fit for societal needs around the globe. As such, Creative Thinking Skills development is one of the core objectives of the South African Curriculum and Technology Education (TE), encouraging learners to be creative and innovative. The study examined how Technology teachers enact Creative Thinking Skills in their classrooms. The study was based on a qualitative research approach complemented by the case study research design. Purposive sampling was used to sample four Technology Education teachers as study participants. Data was collected through interviews and complemented by observations and document analysis concerning four Technology teachers. The study discovered that although the design process (DP) is available to support them, teachers still struggle to adequately articulate the idea of creative thinking and what it entails. The study suggests that to support learners, technology teachers should engage themselves in a lesson study approach with colleagues in nearby districts to receive continuous pedagogical training that will help them understand the nature and components of creative thinking.

Mongolian educators’ approach to student mistakes: an empirical study from a cultural perspective using lesson analysis

PurposeTeachers’ responses to students’ mistakes vary based on their countries’ social culture. We investigated the cultural script in a Mongolian lesson on teachers’ responses to students' mistakes.Design/methodology/approachWe employed transcript-based lesson analyses and cultural transcript approaches. We gathered data from a Mongolian lesson and analysed the transcripts, emphasising the students’ mistakes.FindingsWe avoided drawing conclusions and offering recommendations on the shortcomings of Mongolian lessons because our approach was from a cultural standpoint. The teacher of our research lesson and interviewee teachers placed less emphasis on working with students' mistakes than other elements of teaching. They tended to ignore or merely acknowledge the students’ mistakes in order to continue the lesson as planned. During our discussions, we explored the potential relationship between the behaviourist approach and the way teachers handle their students' mistakes. We also considered how the subject matter might influence the types of mistakes. These findings could guide future research in this area.Research limitations/implicationsThough we tried to enhance the representativeness of our study with interviews, we were not satisfied with the qualitative analysis. Future research should focus more on conducting interviews and discussions with Mongolian and Japanese educators to incorporate cross-cultural perspectives. It will provide valuable insights for successfully adapting lesson studies in Mongolia.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, there has been no international publication on Mongolian lesson studies on students’ mistakes. The cultural perspective of Mongolian lessons may be valuable to a global audience given the uniqueness of the Euro-Asian nomadic culture that is fast adapting to urbanisation in the globalising world.

Evaluating intercultural learning materials from the RICH-Ed project through a non-essentialist perspective: Chinese University students’ and instructors’ perceptions

ABSTRACT Globalisation has increased cultural diversity in Chinese higher education, highlighting needs for intercultural competence development. However, suitable China-centric resources are lacking. This study evaluates intercultural learning materials developed by the RICH-Ed project, an intercultural communication textbook grounded in critical social constructionism and non-essentialist principles. The study employed a two-phase qualitative design, collecting data through questionnaires and interviews to understand students’ and instructors’ perceptions of the materials. The results indicate the RICH-Ed intercultural learning materials expanded students’ intercultural understanding. The interactive experiential learning activities enabled transformational self-reflection, challenging previous assumptions and developing appreciation for diverse perspectives. Similarly, the materials shaped instructors’ beliefs about intercultural communication. Instructors also experienced significant pedagogical shifts from essentialist to contemporary critical constructionist approaches. The collaborative lesson planning, observation, and reflection cycles built instructors’ confidence and competence in student-centred, dialogue-based methods aimed at intercultural learning goals. However, academic reading difficulties and the need for supplementary teacher training were issues identified. Recommendations include scaffolding comprehension through glossaries, discussions, and levelled reading; tailoring examples and roleplays for Chinese contexts; adding interactive multimedia; and expanding lesson studies. This utilisation-focused evaluation provides insights to strengthen emergent intercultural resources and training programmes in Chinese higher education.

Pendampingan Guru Sekolah Menengah Pertama dalam Menyusun Perangkat Pembelajaran Sesuai Kurikulum Merdeka Berbasis ICT

This community service activity is motivated by the lack of competency of junior high school teachers in creating ICT-based learning tools that suit the independent curriculum and the lack of teacher creativity in developing learning tools, especially ICT-based teaching modules. This service was carried out at SMPN 4 Dewantara and SMPN 8 Lhokseumawe with the aim of increasing teacher competence in designing and implementing learning tools based on the Independent Curriculum and information technology. This program uses the lesson study method, where teachers are divided into small groups to develop teaching modules, Student Worksheets, and innovative learning media. Intensive training and guidance is provided to ensure that the devices developed are in accordance with students' needs and support ICT-based learning. The evaluation results show that this program succeeded in increasing teachers' understanding of the Independent Curriculum with an average of 3.69 and a percentage of 92.2%. Guidance in designing ICT-based teaching modules was considered very helpful, with an average of 3.84 and a percentage of 96.1%. Teachers feel more confident in using ICT, with an average of 3.72 and a percentage of 93%. The developed Student Worksheets is considered more interactive and interesting, although with an average of 3.4 and a percentage of 86%. The learning media and assessments designed are also considered effective, with a high percentage in the evaluation of relevance and comprehensiveness. Overall, satisfaction with the program was very high, with a mean of 3.91 and a percentage of 97.7%. This program shows a significant positive impact in improving the quality of learning and teacher abilities, as well as providing long-term benefits in implementing the ICT-based Independent Curriculum. The output of this community service is scientific publications in accredited journals and publication of activities in print or online media.

Supporting High-Level Tasks and Talk Through Lesson Study

A cross-grade level team participates in lesson study to develop skills in engaging students in deep mathematical thinking and high-level mathematical discourse.

GLOBAL TRENDS IN CONTINUOUS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF TEACHERS: COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

This research presents a comparative analysis of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) models for teachers in several countries, including Singapore, Finland, Japan, China (Shanghai), Australia, Canada (Ontario), Estonia, and the Netherlands. Employing a qualitative approach and multiple case study methodology, the research identifies key features and trends in CPD. The results indicate that effective CPD models are characterized by individualized approaches, emphasis on collaborative learning, and connections to research activities. Despite variations in implementation, all models recognize the critical role of continuous teacher development in improving educational quality. Innovative approaches are highlighted, such as the Japanese Lesson Study model, the teacher rotation system in Shanghai, and personal learning budgets in the Netherlands. The study underscores the importance of creating flexible, adaptive CPD systems capable of addressing global challenges, including the digitalization of education and the development of 21st-century skills. The research findings can serve as a foundation for improving CPD systems in Kazakhstan, taking into account their unique context for detailing and enhancing the Professional Standard “Teacher”.

The effect of lesson study approach on developing teachers’ reflective thinking as a self-assessment tool

The effect of lesson study approach on developing teachers’ reflective thinking as a self-assessment tool

Lesson study in Content and Language Integrated Learning: making young case pupils’ learning visible through English alongside translanguaging and trans-semiotising

PurposeThe paper reports how lesson study helped to make the learning of students with limited English competencies visible in Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL).Design/methodology/approachThe two lesson study cycles took place in a Swiss primary school with a focus on three case pupils each with heterogeneous attainment levels in English. The research group observed how the case pupils coped with learning English integrated with art, crafts, and sports in four research lessons. Following a case study methodology, the research focussed on how the case pupils used their limited English language competencies complemented with multilingual and multimodal means to make their learning visible.FindingsThanks to the close observations of students’ learning and the detailed analysis thereof as a cooperative effort of the research group, the lesson study revealed that the case pupils used varied means to express their learning partly depending on their levels of English.Research limitations/implicationsThis small-scale case study only describes data collected from four research lessons based on a total of 12 case pupils.Originality/valueCommonly during lesson study, the students’ learning is captured through the verbal language they use. But if the research lesson takes place in a foreign language setting in which students’ language competencies are limited in expressing their learning, other languages and modes of communication must be considered. To date, there are few papers on how lesson study helps to explore learners’ use of so-called translanguaging and trans-semiotising.