What helps teachers and students thrive in the study of history?

Lesson Study: Collaborative, Collegial, Robust Professional Development

Teach/Observe

Reflect/Generalize

Revise Lesson

Re-teach

New historical content and strategies

Plan Lesson

Image: Placer County TAH

Learn new historical content

Consider students’ needs

Consider students’ needs

Plan a Demonstration Lesson

Review the Lesson

Teach the Lesson

Observe Students

Debrief the Lesson: Consider Observations, Student Work,

Teaching & Learning

Visible Features of

Lesson Study

Plan Teach Observe Discuss Etc.

Key Pathway

Lesson Plans Improve

Instructional Improvement

Typical Misconceptions about Lesson Study

Image: Catherine Lewis

InstructionalImprovement

VisibleFeatures of

Lesson Study

•Planning•Curriculum Study•Research Lesson•Data Collection•Discussion•Revision•Etc.

How Does Lesson Study Improve Instruction?

Pathways

Teacher Knowledge

Teacher Commitment

Community for Instructional Improvement

Learning Resources

Teaching Resources

Image: Catherine Lewis

The time to collaborate with colleagues has broadened my strengths as a teacher. It introduced me to tools I could never have dreamed of on my own. Observing and assessing student work was invaluable.  I’ve never had so many minds working so hard on such a high cognitive level lesson. 

I observed students without distraction and saw the variety and depth of learning. Collaborating with colleagues and other professionals allows me to reflect on my own teaching practices and my students’ learning.

The lesson study amplified my appreciation for editing my work and appreciating student understanding. I am more curious and less apprehensive in the task of teaching.