Leading Lesson Study

Use this team-centered approach to directly enhance teaching and learning in your school!First introduced in Japan, lesson study has gained enthusiastic advocates in US educational circles as a powerful, collaborative approach. This "how-to" guide leads a beginning team through the lesson study cycle and provides an experienced team with new perspectives. Using examples from U.S. classrooms, this handbook: Encourages educators to generate and share knowledgeInspires a teacherresearcher stanceIllustrates both the process and substance of lesson studyEncourages collaborationProvides guidelines for avoiding common pitfalls

Foreword by Bill JacksonPrefaceAbout the Authors1. Introduction-Making the Case for Lesson Study An Overview of Lesson Study Core Elements of Lesson Study Building a Research Base for Lesson Study2. Laying the Groundwork for Lesson Study Beginning With the Necessary Ingredients Additional Supports Creating a Lesson Study Action Plan Inviting Teachers to Participate Finding Time Gaining Support From Administrators Finding External Support Developing a Collaborative School Culture Challenges of Laying the Groundwork Moving on to the Next Phase Key Ideas3. Starting the Lesson Study Cycle Roles and Responsibilities Creating the Schedule Developing Into a Team Identifying Group Norms Maintaining Group Norms Becoming a Community of Practice Types of Lesson Study Goals Key Ideas4. Planning the Research Lesson Process for Planning the Lesson Investigating Teaching Materials Step 1: Identify the Topic Step 2: Map the Unit Step 3: Identify Goals Step 4: Create the Lesson Plan Reflecting and Assessing Progress Moving on to the Next Phase Key Ideas5. Teaching, Observing, and Debriefing Roles and Responsibilities Preparing for the Observation and Debriefing The Pre-Observation Meeting Teaching and Observing the Lesson Conducting the Debriefing Preparing for the Revision Challenges of the Debriefing Reflecting and Assessing Progress Moving on to the Next Phase Key Ideas6. Revising and Reteaching the Lesson Why Revise and Reteach? Process for Revising the Lesson Step 1: Gather and Review the Data Step 2: Analyze the Data Step 3: Identify Needed Changes Step 4: Revise the Lesson Plan Challenges of the Revision Process Reteaching and Focusing the Debriefing Reflecting and Assessing Progress Moving on to the Next Phase Key Ideas7. Reflecting and Sharing Results Importance of Reflection Lesson Study Reports Process for Developing the Report Alternatives to a Report Evaluating Lesson Study Tying Reflection and Evaluation to a New Cycle of Lesson Study Key Ideas8. Growing and Sustaining Lesson Study Maintaining Momentum Dealing With Turnover Adding Teams and Sites Embedding Lesson Study Hosting an Open House Goals for Teacher Learning Final ThoughtsResource A: Sample Research LessonsResource B: Frequently Asked QuestionsResource C: Additional ResourcesGlossaryReferencesIndex