Lesson Study: A Japanese Approach To Improving Mathematics Teaching and Learning

by Clea Fernandez, Makoto Yoshida

Lesson study is a popular professional development approach in Japan whereby teachers collaborate to study content, instruction, and how students solve problems and reach for understanding in order to improve elementary mathematics instruction and learning in the classroom.

This book is the first comprehensive look at the system and process of lesson study in Japan. It describes in detail the process of how teachers conducted lesson study--how they collaborated in order to develop a lesson, what they talked about during the process, and what they looked at in order to understand deeply how students were learning. Readers see the planning of a mathematics lesson, as well as how much content knowledge the teachers have. They observe students' problem solving strategies and learn how Japanese teachers prepare themselves to identify those strategies and facilitate the students' discussion.

Written for mathematics teachers, educational researchers, school administrators interested in teachers' professional development, and professional developers, this landmark volume provides an in-depth understanding of lesson study that can lead to positive changes in teachers' professional development and in teaching and learning in the United States.

276 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2004

Reviews

[Morgan (Turbo) · Rating 3 out of 5]

My school uses Lesson Study from Japan as a way of professional development. It’s all about working with colleagues on one specific lesson and making it the best it can be. Then everyone comes to the class to observe. Having so many teachers in one room can be nerve wracking but there are many benefits to really discussing and studying with your colleagues. So I went researching for a book that could give me more and I discovered this one. Only, it gives a basic introduction and history to the concept and then focuses entirely on one school in Japan and one round of lesson study. I would have much more liked a survey of various schools and how they do the process and more meticulously researched background of the subject. There are many ways to learn about Lesson Study online so stick with that rather than getting this book.