Lesson Study


Lesson Study is a professional development tool, originating from Japan, in which teachers systematically examine their practice, with the goal of becoming more effective. This examination centers on teachers working collaboratively on a small number of "study lessons". Working on these study lessons involves planning, teaching, observing, and critiquing the lessons. To provide focus and direction to this work, the teachers select an overarching goal and related research question that they want to explore. This research question then serves to guide their work on all the study lessons.

While working on a study lesson, teachers jointly draw up a detailed plan for the lesson, which one of the teachers uses to teach the lesson in a real classroom (as other group members observe the lesson). The group then comes together to discuss their observations of the lesson. Often, the group revises the lesson, and another teacher implements it in a second classroom, while group members again look on. The group will come together again to discuss the observed instruction. Finally, the teachers produce a report of what their study lessons have taught them, particularly with respect to their research question.

Click here to access a slide show explaining Lesson Study by Catherine Lewis from Mills College. Click on "Workshops Handouts" link, then click "Download a Lesson Study Powerpoint presentation"

Click here to download a brochure about Lesson Study.

Click here for a graphic display of the Lesson Study cycle.

Click here to view regional Lesson Study resources in Washington State.

Lesson Study Resources


Upcoming Lesson Study Events