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Degree

Doctor of Education, Ashland University, College of Education, 2005.

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative research study was to determine whether a Japanese professional development tool called lesson study could fit into teachers’ existing work culture. In addition, data was collected concerning teachers’ attitudes and beliefs about the lesson study process. After the release of the Third International Mathematics and Science Studies (TIMSS) in 1995 and the TIMSS-R in 1999 the Japanese model of lesson study gained attention as a professional development tool that built teachers’ instructional skills. As a professional development tool, lesson study also put teachers in a leadership role for improving their classroom practices. Lesson study was specifically designed to standardize math and science lessons to focus the curricula in order to improve test scores of U.S. students compared to peak performing countries. However, educational researchers like Stigler and Lewis started professional development initiatives around the country that took lesson study to the next level in the teaching process. Instead of focusing on test scores, lesson study developed as a professional development tool to increase teachers’ content knowledge and their research skills. In this research study nine teachers, three administrators, a professor and two focus groups, engaged at various stages in the lesson study process, were interviewed on their attitudes and beliefs. Six common themes and seventeen sub-themes emerged from the data collected. This research study concluded with predictions about the future of lesson study and whether it could be sustained in the U.S. teaching culture in order to change teaching strategies in American classrooms.

Keywords

Lesson Study; Research Lessons; Japanese Professional Development Tool; TIMSS; Professional Development; Action Research for lesson planning

Advisor

Susan Bon

Pages

161p.

Document number: ashland1116871771
Permalink: http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ashland1116871771

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