Exploring lesson study in postsecondary education through self-study
International Journal for Lesson and Learning Studies
ISSN: 2046-8253
Article publication date: 4 August 2020
Issue publication date: 17 October 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this collaborative self-study inquiry was to enhance the professional practice of faculty members through the adoption of lesson study. A seven-member faculty of education self-study group engaged in lesson study in a computer and learning resources for primary/elementary teachers’ course with teacher candidates.
Design/methodology/approach
This study focused on providing teacher candidates with increased opportunities for action and expression during in-class instruction. This collaborative lesson study inquiry (Fernandez et al., 2003; Fernandez and Yoshida, 2004; Murata, 2011) involved the four-step process of planning, doing, checking and acting (PDCA) (Cheng, 2019). Several data collection methods were adopted and data sources analyzed.
Findings
Challenges the group encountered during the study included ascertaining the goals of lesson study and offering critical feedback to each other. While this made decision-making more intricate and intentional, there was exceptional value in participating in the lesson study process. The results revealed three overarching themes: 1) challenges in classroom observations; 2) hesitation in providing supportive feedback to colleagues and 3) deliberations regarding what constitutes expertise within subject-specific preservice teacher education.
Originality/value
While lesson study has been adopted fairly extensively in K-12 settings, its adoption in postsecondary education is limited (Chenault, 2017). Considering the merits of lesson study for K-12 practitioners, this research investigated the similar advantages that lesson study might have for postsecondary education faculty, students and programs.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Funding: This research received a Research and Development Grant from the Faculty of Education at Memorial University of Newfoundland 20180397.
Citation
Moghaddam, A., Arnold, C., Azam, S., Goodnough, K., Maich, K., Penney, S. and Young, G. (2020), "Exploring lesson study in postsecondary education through self-study", International Journal for Lesson and Learning Studies, Vol. 9 No. 4, pp. 367-381. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJLLS-05-2020-0025
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited