Lesson studies were conducted in a spiral sequence of 4 sessions. They were,
- Lesson Design,
- Implementation,
- Lesson Observation and
- Evaluation.
In each school, generally there were 4 or more meetings for collaborative lesson planning before or during the teaching of a new chapter, and 4 or more (tracking) lesson observations.
For session (1) lesson design, lesson plans and materials were prepared with respect to those considerations just as in the pilot study (see Pilot Study).
More detailed consideration helped the design of a more appropriate and effective plan.
During session (2) implementation, each teacher’s own professional style was respected. They would have individual interpretation of the progress schedule (there were different progresses among classes), the use of different levels of materials for learning diversity, the application of assessments of / for / as learning, etc.
Peer observation was encouraged, after which peer evaluation could be done for immediate improvement of the coming lessons.
Session (3) Lesson observation and field-note were significant and important for a thorough understanding of the math learning of NCS students. In class visits, students usually asked for help from the observers. Through such casual but on task interflow, observers could get the real experience of their learning barriers.
Session (4) Evaluation was done according to the planned objectives, with reference to the teachers’ experiences, as they know their students well. It can be done after 1 to a few lessons. Modifications and improvement could be made more on time if lessons were evaluated more frequently. Appropriate immediate or long run remedies could be made after discussions in formal or informal meetings when necessary.
For a comprehensive lesson study, the following arrangements were required to be settled.
- meeting frequency and duration
- things to be done before the coming meeting(s)
- things to be shared in the coming meeting(s)
- real Scheme of Work / Time-table of lesson observation,
- on-going evaluation and modification
- video recording / photo taking / data collecting