In order to improve student learning, teachers need opportunities to observe and discuss instruction. Lesson study provides a structure for teachers to collaborate around pressing problems of practice and to engage in cycles of inquiry to explore the intersection of pedagogy and student learning.
Are you a school leader or department head who wants a collegial, high-impact, equity-focused, and fun way to inspire teachers to improve instruction in both classroom and remote learning environments? Check out the following resources from the Mathematical Agency Improvement Community at the High-Tech High Graduate School of Education:
- Why Lesson Study?
- Laying the Groundwork for lesson studies blog post
- What is a research lesson?
- Core Practices of lesson study to try out with colleagues at your next department or PLC meeting
- Hub Documents
Call to Action: Select a core practice, such as our 45 min looking at student work protocol or our 40 min protocol for determining an equity goal for a lesson, and use it to guide learning at your next department or PLC meeting with colleagues! Or if you think your department/math team is ready, use the coaching resources to engage in a 1-2-week lesson study cycle!
Are you a district level leader looking for a research-based system of professional development that will build teacher leadership and inquiry capacity, develop teachers’ content and pedagogical knowledge, and center students and student thinking during this challenging time of distance learning?
Check out the Lesson Study professional development resources from the Mathematical Agency Improvement Community at the High-Tech High Graduate School of Education:
- Laying the Groundwork for lesson studies blog post
- Research Lesson Study Overview
- Lesson Study Hub Documents
Call to Action: These resources outline the conditions that support effective implementation of lesson study and the tools district leaders can use to bring lesson study to schools they support.
In addition, we encourage district leaders to reach out to the San Francisco Unified School District to hear about how they have supported lesson study across their district with impressive results.
Are you a teacher craving collaboration? Are you tired of feeling isolated, figuring out how to plan and deliver instruction – in person or remotely – all on your own?
If so, check out the following resources from the Mathematical Agency Improvement Community at the High-Tech High Graduate School of Education:
- Why Lesson Study?
- Core Practices of lesson study to try out with colleagues at your next department or PLC meeting.
- Want to do a short cycle with your PLC or department team? Check out the coaching resources
Call to Action: Select a core practice, such as our 45 min looking at student work protocol or our 40 min protocol for determining an equity goal for a lesson, and use it to guide learning at your next department or PLC meeting with colleagues!
Ready to dive more deeply?
Use the coaching resources to engage in a 1-2-week lesson study cycle, or jump right into planning for a full research lesson.
Alternatively, if you want to get colleagues on board to test out lesson study try selecting a core practice to do with colleagues during your next department or PLC meeting to build interest.
Are you connected to a student whose school is testing out lesson studies, or are you interested in what lesson study could do for that child’s educational experience? If so, check out the following resources from the Mathematical Agency Improvement Community at the High-Tech High Graduate School of Education:
- Why Lesson Study?
- What is a research lesson?
Call to Action: If you are a parent/guardian/caregiver and are interested in supporting lesson study at your child’s school, we recommend reaching out to your child’s teacher or school principal and encourage them to explore these resources.