by Wendy Buckwalter
In Japan, lesson study is not used at the high school level. But that has not deterred Ridge High School in Basking Ridge, NJ. With the support of Marian Palumbo, Supervisor of Mathematics at Bernards Township Schools, three teachers have introduced lesson study to high school mathematics education.
Participating since the 2000-2001 school year, mathematics teachers Michele Kilpatrick and Danielle Lewis have seen a positive impact on teaching and learning.
Lewis is enthusiastic about the entire lesson study process: "The collaborative process helps you see things you couldn't see when planning by yourself, and the observation piece is so valuable for being able to anticipate students' responses." Now when planning lessons, Lewis takes extra time to consider the student response.
"Planning for students' responses not only creates a more engaging lesson, but it also serves all students better, from those with high needs who may struggle with math, to those who don't need as much attention. I take all possible responses into account," says Lewis. She has found the result to be that her students are exploring, thinking, and experimenting more, and that these processes help them learn more.
Kilpatrick agrees that the collaborative process allows teachers to bring new techniques into their regular repertoire. From the lesson study cycle last year, Kilpatrick began incorporating new methods into her daily lesson planning. By handing out discovery questions, posting students' responses, and providing more handouts and hands-on activities, Kilpatrick's students are thinking more on their own, figuring out problems without being told how, and seeing the mathematical concepts more clearly.
In addition to gaining insight on a particular lesson or technique, Palumbo explains that the process of lesson study serves as professional development that extends beyond just one lesson. "It gives teachers a venue for reflection. The learning that takes place is tremendous. The teachers reflect on so many things: they reflect on themselves as teachers, the benefits of joint planning and sharing knowledge, and even a renewed sense of collegiality. Reflection is a key to successful teaching," says Palumbo.
How do these teachers find the time? The teachers participating in lesson study can earn staff development credit hours while engaging in lesson study during their after-school hours. The high school has a flexible enough schedule for teachers to observe lessons during prep periods and to use substitutes when necessary. Transitioning the practice to the middle school schedule has not occurred yet, but Palumbo is hopeful that the middle school staff will also engage in lesson study in the future, and she continues to promote the process.
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