Lesson Study A Japanese Approach To Improving Mathematics Teaching and Learning

This study of how Japanese teachers think about instruction and student learning focuses on an activity called Lesson Study. A better understanding of this activity could be helpful to thinking about how to improve American teacher education.

Lesson study is a popular professional development approach in Japan whereby teachers collaborate to study content, instruction, and how students solve problems and reach for understanding in order to improve elementary mathematics instruction and learning in the classroom. This book is the first comprehensive look at the system and process of lesson study in Japan. It describes in detail the process of how teachers conducted lesson study--how they collaborated in order to develop a lesson, what they talked about during the process, and what they looked at in order to understand deeply how students were learning. Readers see the planning of a mathematics lesson, as well as how much content knowledge the teachers have. They observe students' problem solving strategies and learn how Japanese teachers prepare themselves to identify those strategies and facilitate the students' discussion. Written for mathematics teachers, educational researchers, school administrators interested in teachers' professional development, and professional developers, this landmark volume provides an in-depth understanding of lesson study that can lead to positive changes in teachers' professional development and in teaching and learning in the United States.

Contents: J.W. Stigler, Foreword. Introduction. An Overview of Lesson Study. Lesson Study at Tsuta Elementary School. Illustrating the Lesson Study Through the Work of Five Tsuta Teachers. Drawing Up a Preliminary Lesson Plan. Refining the Lesson Plan. Preparing to Teach the Study Lesson. Teaching the Study Lesson. Discussing How to Improve the Study Lesson. The Revised Lesson Plan. Teaching the Revised Lesson. Sharing Reflections About the Study Lesson. Follow-Up Activities: Sharing and Reflecting. Strategies for Avoiding Isolation in Order to Enhance Lesson Study. Conclusion. Appendices.

Authored by Fernandez, Clea; Yoshida, Makoto