by Cynthia Sanchez
Lesson study has become an integral part of my teaching since my first introduction to the math study group at School 2 almost four years ago. The challenges I encountered were not just professional but personal ones as well.
I was only in my second year of teaching in the Paterson School System, and participating in a math study group seemed a bit overwhelming for a new teacher like myself. What sparked my interest was a fellow teacher who had participated the first year and said it helped with teaching math to her class. I figured I needed all the help I could get. Math has always come easy to me, and I've always been very sure of my math skills. But I soon realized after my first year that knowing math is one thing, but being able to teach it is another.
Lesson study has impacted my teaching in many ways. Just going through the lesson study process, I was really able to take a step back and take a look at what I was teaching to my students and how I was teaching to my students.
While preparing the lessons, the group and I were very thoughtful about what we were preparing. We looked at everything from how to introduce a new lesson to anticipated student responses, the use of the blackboard, manipulatives, and student engagement. This made me realize that there is more to teaching math than just opening a textbook and working on problems just because they are printed in the book, or "spoon feeding" formulas just to get quick answers.
Since participating in lesson study, I reflect more on my teaching, and I am more open to asking for help. I am more aware of and observant of my students' learning or lack thereof. I'm trying to be more purposeful and to put more thought into approaching daily lessons in every subject. I also try not to just lecture and take out the textbook. I have tried to observe other teachers during my prep time at least once or twice a month, and I have asked my colleagues to come observe my classes.
If I were to compare the way I taught my first two years to the way I've been teaching since, I'd say I'm nowhere near the same teacher. I feel I've grown as a teacher from my lesson study experience and will continue to do so.
Sanchez is a 6th grade teacher at School 2 in Paterson, New Jersey.
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