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Lesson Study is one of the most common forms of professional development in Japan, where it occurs in all subjects primarily at the middle school and elementary level. Teachers work in small teams, carefully and collaboratively crafting lesson plans. The lessons are designed to meet both content goals and general learning or affective goals for students—such as working together to solve problems or being excited to learn about nature. Since publication of the TIMSS (Third International Mathematics and Science Study) reports, lesson study has received considerable attention in the U.S. and has been highlighted by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics for its promise in helping teachers develop effective pedagogy for standards-based problem-centered instruction.
Teachers at Watertown Middle and High Schools were among other teachers from 20 schools in Massachusetts who participated in an NSF-funded project entitled "Lesson Study Communities in Secondary Mathematics" for the 2002-03 and 2003-04 academic years. Watertown teachers will continue their work with Lesson Study with mathematicians in a Focus on Mathematics study group. Teachers from our other partner districts will participate in one of two Lesson Study Summer Institutes in 2004.
Learn more about Lesson Study from EDC.
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