The process of lesson study as a strategy for the development of teaching in primary schools : a case study in the Western Cape Province, South Africa

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this qualitative research study was to determine the value that a group ofteachers in South Africa would place on the process of lesson study as a model for theirown learning and instructional improvement. A qualitative case study approach throughan action research design was the methodology employed for this research.Participants in this 18-month study experienced three complete cycles and a fourthpartially completed cycle of lesson study. The setting in South Africa offers a uniqueperspective to research on lesson study. Lesson study has been the primary method ofprofessional teacher development in Japan for more than 50 years. It is also realizingsome success in school districts across the USA. The recent educational reforms in SouthAfrica have something in common with each of these countries. Like Japan, SouthAfrica has adopted a national curriculum. The common link with the USA is that bothcountries have recently experienced educational reform at the national government level.The findings from this research include a discussion of the elements contained in lessonstudy that may be beneficial to incorporate into continuing professional teacherdevelopment programs, an analysis of the sustainability of lesson study, and anexploration of the connection between the model of lesson study and the design of actionresearch.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University