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Improving mathematics instruction through lesson study: a theoretical model and North American case

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Abstract

This article presents a theoretical model of lesson study, an approach to instructional improvement that originated in Japan. The theoretical model includes four lesson study features (investigation, planning, research lesson, and reflection) and three pathways through which lesson study improves instruction: changes in teachers’ knowledge and beliefs; changes in professional community; and changes in teaching–learning resources. The model thus suggests that development of teachers’ knowledge and professional community (not just improved lesson plans) are instructional improvement mechanisms within lesson study. The theoretical model is used to examine the “auditable trail” of data from a North American lesson study case, yielding evidence that the lesson study work affected each of the three pathways. We argue that the case provides an “existence proof” of the potential effectiveness of lesson study outside Japan. Limitations of the case are discussed, including (1) the nature of data available from the “auditable trail” and (2) generalizability to other lesson study efforts.

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Notes

  1. The first author was present during week-2 of the workshop as an observer of the lesson study group; the second author observed both weeks, but focused on a different lesson study group; the third author was a group participant and contributed to workshop design.

  2. One of the 22 worksheets had a mistake in one row.

  3. Full transcript evidence supporting this change can be found in (reference omitted, Appendix, p. 14, August 14).

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Acknowledgments

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grants REC 9814967, REC 0207259 and DRL 0633945. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mills College, Oakland, CA, USA

    Catherine C. Lewis & Rebecca R. Perry

  2. Addison School, Palo Alto, CA, USA

    Jacqueline Hurd

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  1. Catherine C. Lewis
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Correspondence to Catherine C. Lewis.

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Lewis, C.C., Perry, R.R. & Hurd, J. Improving mathematics instruction through lesson study: a theoretical model and North American case. J Math Teacher Educ 12, 285–304 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10857-009-9102-7

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