Lesson study is an ongoing, teacher-led, student-centered form of professional development that provides a framework and safe space for teachers to realize deep and widespread change in the culture of learning and teaching. In lesson study, a team of teachers participates in a cycle that begins by determining a mathematical focus; the team then collaboratively studies student thinking about the topic and designs a lesson about this content; implements the lesson while collecting detailed evidence of student learning; and reflects on the impact of the lesson on student learning and behavior. The process encourages careful observation and analysis of student thinking, with the goal of designing and implementing effective teacher responses to student actions.

In this video, we will illustrate how lesson study slows down the process of teaching, providing time and support for teachers to examine their practice in depth and to develop new skills in a supportive environment.   We will see clips from the the four phases of lesson study (study, plan, implement, reflect) that demonstrate how this form of professional development has supported transformation of teachers into risk-takers, innovators, investigators, and reflective facilitators of learning.

NSF Awards: 0962778, 0934761