Lesson Study Grows

Two years ago, the Spring 2001 issue of Northwest Teacher focused on lesson study, an approach to professional development that was just beginning to make its way into U.S. schools. With the number of lesson study teams growing across the country, Northwest Teacher returns to the topic in the latest issue of the journal, "Lesson Study: Crafting Learning Together."

Lesson study is an ongoing professional development practice in which teachers collaborate to plan, observe, and refine a lesson. While lesson study is based on educational research and theory that originated in the United States, the strategy has been implemented primarily in Japan. Interest in the process has been growing here with the recognition that it encompasses many of the qualities of effective professional development: it is collaborative, teacher-led, and focused on specific tasks of teaching. Also, it is sustained over time.

The Spring 2003 issue of Northwest Teacher features lesson study teams from Oregon and Washington. A team of sixth-grade teachers from North Marion Middle School in Aurora, Oregon, is profiled in "A Lesson Study Team Steps Into the Spotlight." Another story, "Lesson Study in the Northwest," highlights lesson study projects in Longview, Portland, Spokane, and Bellevue.

Additional stories examine the process in more depth. Catherine Lewis, author of Lesson Study: Teacher-Led Improvement of Instruction, takes a close look at "The Essential Elements of Lesson Study." Another article examines the critical role of the "outside expert" to the lesson study process. Finally, teacher Jackie Hurd reveals her journey toward a deepening understanding of mathematics and a clearer view of her students' thinking.

A single, free copy of Northwest Teacher is available to educators in the Northwest via e-mail request, math_and_science@nwrel.org; phone, 503-275-9500; or on the Web site, www.nwrel.org/msec/nwteacher/spring2003/. If you live outside the region or want multiple copies, you may purchase them using the Document Order Form or the NWREL Products Catalog Online, www.nwrel.org/comm/catalog/detail.asp?RID=14930.