Lesson Study Conference 2003
Questions about Lesson Study Requiring Further Exploration
In the concluding session of the conference, participants gave feedback regarding the elements of lesson study that they felt merited further thought and discussion. These ranged from broad concerns to specific issues about procedures. This list of questions is included as a guide for possible topics of future study, lesson study conferences, and ongoing conversations in more informal settings.
Observation
- How can we learn to be better observers?
- How can we effectively observe the whole process of lesson study?
Procedures, Data, and Curricula
- What are the characteristics of an effective debriefing session? What kinds of discussion and self-assessment will be more meaningful for teachers' continued learning?
- What do we mean by collecting "data"? What are "data"? What kinds of data are useful for what kinds of purposes?
- How can lesson study be adapted in different settings (urban, rural, suburban, etc.)? What issues are unique to each type of setting?
- How do we resolve the issue of curriculum that is unfocused, overly ambitious, etc.? How do we develop assessment that is based on the particular curriculum?
- How can we implement lesson study across all the disciplines?
Dissemination
- How can we effectively disseminate lesson study? Are we ready to disseminate?
- How can we help other people who might be interested in lesson study?
- How do we help people to understand the results and benefits of lesson study?
- How do we develop leadership capacity of lesson study group facilitators/teacher-leaders?
- How can we develop a national (or international) organization of lesson study practitioners and groups that is self-sustaining?
This paper was first published online in July 2004.
