Lesson Study 07.05.19

Yesterday some of us met with Rhona Leonard to discuss a lesson study cycle to be taught this term. We will plan lessons collaboratively which will be taught in one class with observers looking at three target students. This is to examine how particular students learn and what they bring to the learning experience. The observers do not observe the teaching, they observe the learning for the targeted students. Students are interviewed after each lesson to discuss the learning which has taken place. Teachers then discuss their findings from the lesson, the information is then used to plan subsequent lessons. There will be three lessons in this cycle.

Rhona shared the following questions for us to reflect on:


1. What role does reflection and collaborative practice play in your current practice, before actually starting LS?
Reflection is an important part of my current practice. Much reflection can be internal thoughts which makes me change planning of learning, structure of lessons and classroom management. Recently my reflection has included the two teacher aides I work closely with. And thinking about this prompts me to think about the many people I reflectively collaborate with. Quite often if there are students who learn with other educators then I like to discuss the learning with them, e.g. our Resource teacher for Literacy. Prior to reflecting on this particular question I do think I have thought of collaborative reflection and practice as something that might be more geared towards planning a school event rather than actual learning in the classroom. But the more I think about it the more I realise how much collaboration actually happens. However, I do think sitting down to plan lessons collaboratively will be a lot more of a vigorous practice.


2.      Thinking about effective teaching and learning, what do you consider to be examples of this in your current practice, before starting LS?
- considering where students are at and planning appropriately
- noting student learning and next steps