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One CPD idea that works: Network learning through ‘research lessons’

June 2005

This month’s idea is from a number of schools in Networked Learning Communities. Information: pete.dudley@ncsl.org.uk

Research Lessons

A new approach to teacher learning is being developed called “networked research lessons”. Lesson study groups are formed by a number of teachers from different schools, who have identified an area of teaching that could be improved. The group assesses what is already known about teaching this aspect of the curriculum and then develops a lesson plan that contains some untried approaches that could improve learning.

Planning and teaching

One important factor in research lessons is identifying three case pupils. These have been found to be of huge importance. Three pupils who represent three typical groups of learners are chosen. They may be higher, middle and lower attaining pupils in the subject being taught. They may represent confident, retiring or averagely confident pupils.

The study group then plans a lesson with these pupils in mind, predicting what they hope each pupil will do at each stage of the lesson. One group member teaches and the others observe the lesson, focusing most of their attention on the case pupils. On the lesson plan, they record their observations of what actually happens alongside their predictions of what they hoped would happen. Also, they often video key moments in the lesson for later analysis.

Developing and sharing knowledge

At the analysis meeting all discussion starts from “I observed x doing y at this stage” followed by a question. This protocol enables the discussion to focus on the learning and makes it easier to get to objective discussion about the teaching.

Knowing that the new approaches do not work is as important as knowing that they do. New knowledge is gained by taking (shared) risks.

After a series of research lessons people have usually developed something to share. They do this either through presentations (using video clips) to colleagues in the network or (as in Japan where lesson study has been popular for years) they hold a “public research lesson” before an audience from local schools.

Resources

A two year study of research lessons by the National College for School Leadership and the Centre for British Teachers has just been completed. Its conclusions were very positive indeed.

These resources can be ordered from nlc@ncsl.org.uk:
‘Getting started with Research Lessons’ (DVD and booklet)
‘Making mathematics count in a network of schools’ (includes examples of using research lessons)


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