This is an interesting thread to me as it relates to what I have learned from Japanese lesson study. When I first started learning about Japanese Lesson Study (a form of professional development used in Japan where teachers write and test lessons together), I was concerned about the idea that a single lesson was developed for all teachers to learn. It seemed awfully rote to me, like teaching from a text can be. As I studied the lesson study process more deeply, I began to understand that though these teachers were developing and using the same lesson, through the "study" of the lesson they gained much, much more. What I watched and examined were lesson study datum from math and science lesson study groups--but I think much applies to all teaching. What I see now (and I may see more later) is that the Japanese teachers gained the following from their lesson-studies: 1. A in-depth understanding of the content they were teaching (working together to examine a lesson caused them to examine the subject being taught at a very deep level. They came to "know" the topic at a multitude of levels--really understanding the math concept from many perspectives including where the topic came from and where it was going.) 2. A deep, deep knowledge of what might happen inside the minds of different types of students during the particular lesson, and how they could address the many different students' minds through their own responses and questions as teachers. 3. A thorough ability to move seamlessly from lesson format to addressing real learning throughout the given lesson.
Although I had initially imagined teachers teaching a lesson lock-step, what I actually saw was the nuances that occur when teachers truly take full professional responsibility for what they teach. In lesson study teachers do work from a type of script (not word for word--although often "best words" are included). If teachers do not understand the original lesson design, the changes wrought by the lesson study, the student learning that can occur, and the teacher change gained by participation in the study, they will not be very successful in their lesson delivery. it is really all about teacher knowledge of both content and pedagogy, not just lock-step script. The reason lesson study relates to this thread about complacency is that I believe the more honed a teacher is to the learning goals, the content, and the student differences, the less offensive it is to "have" a script because a teacher who is versed and professionally-oriented will adjust and emphasize and change pace and cut out things and do whatever else is needed to make the learning real for the students. New teachers can benefit from the text script, but I would advise them to (immediately) begin to reflect on the lessons (right into the margins of the textbook if it helps) so that they are never teaching a scripted program in a complacent manner. That is anethema to learning, I think. Lest you all imagine I support texts, let me add that I find US texts in all subject matter to be far too lengthy, too all-encompassing, and too droll to offer the best in instruction. Though it really is nice to have all the stuff premade. But I do believe new teachers and teachers required to use such programs can make smart adjustments based upon professional judgment and reflection. Their lack of complacency will make a great difference in instruction. :)Bonita DeAmicis California, Gr.5 > However, saying that, each teacher approaches the > curriculum in a different way and that's how you can > make these programs your own. It's still possible to > integrate what you've learned into these programs. > It's up to you to make sure that you reach all of your > students > and convince the powers that be that you're doing what > best for your students. > ************************ > Felicia, > > I think you make some excellent points. Programs have > some very useful components, and when used > thoughtfully, can be wonderful resources. > Lisa > 2/3 IL _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
