Lesson Study

OVERVIEW OF PRESENTATION

Introduction

Project Procedure
Project Experience

Reminders for Future Lesson Study Projects

The APEC-SEAMEO (RELC) International Seminar

SEAMEO Regional Language Centre, Singapore

Language Applications in Lesson Study Track

19 21 April 2010

Teaching Comparative Adjectives (Year 3 English) in a Malaysian classroom: Lesson Study Project
Dr. Chin Mei Chin
Curriculum Development Division Ministry of Education, Malaysia

Ms Kwa Jin Nee

Taman Putra Perdana National Primary School Selangor, Malaysia

Introduction

LESSON STUDY
A process a small group of teachers collaboratively plans, teaches, observes, revises and reports results on a single class lesson. A teaching improvement activity Addresses one or more student learning goals The lesson plan describes not only what the teacher might say or do, but also how students are likely to respond to the lesson activities.

In lesson study, teachers:

design a lesson plan based on their ideas about how students learn
observe student learning when the lesson is taught analyze observations of student learning after the lesson is taught use information about student learning to revise the lesson

APEC-RELC 2010 Lesson Study Project: Malaysia Teaching Comparative Adjectives (English Language)

SK Taman Putra Perdana, Puchong, Selangor 1 researcher (MOE) and 3 English language teachers Feb - March 2010
Research Sample: Three Year 3 Classes (age 9) 3 Merak & 3 Merpati: Ms Kwa Jin Nee 3 Kelicap: Ms Norazian Mat Anuar

Methodology: Group Discussion Classroom Observation Document Review

Instrument: Classroom Observation Form Reflection Notes Guide
LP INS

Project Procedure

3 Teachers

Researcher

25 Feb 2010 Discussion on the lesson study project and lesson plan for the project

26 28 Feb 2010 Write lesson plan (LP1) and prepare teaching and learning materials - Ms Kwa Jin Nee

2 Mac 2010 - Use the lesson plan (LP1) for Class 3 Merak - Observe lesson using a classroom observation form

- Analysis and discussion of lesson - Revision of lesson plan and materials - Write reflection notes

3 Mac 2010 - Use revised lesson plan (LP2) for Class 3 Merpati - Observe lesson using revised observation form

- Analysis and discussion of lesson

- Revision of lesson plan and materials - Write reflection notes

4 Mac 2010 - Use revised lesson plan (LP3) for Class 3 Kelicap - Observe lesson using revised observation form

- Analysis and discussion of lesson - Write reflection notes - Share lesson plan (LP3) with other teachers

Project Experience

Lesson Plan

Improvements

Reflections

Lesson Plan

Lesson Plan
Year: Topic: 3 [9-year olds] Sea Creatures [Comparative Adjectives]

Goals: i. to understand and follow simple instructions such as blow, start, stop ii. to understand the concept of comparative adjectives iii. to perform a simple chant LOs: 1.4.2 Listen to and follow simple instructions to do something or make something 2.1.5 Chant rhymes and sing songs pronouncing words clearly 2.4.3 Recite simple poems and sing songs with expression and appropriate gestures 3.2.1 Recognise and read out whole words 3.6.4 Pick out words that show comparison

Set Induction GROW!

i. ii.

4 pupils are asked to blow balloons Comment on the activity using comparative adjectives [e.g. size of the balloons]

Presentation [Activity 1] Vocabulary exercise

i.

ii.

Some pupils will be given picture cards which they have seen in previous lessons Each of them will take turns to show their picture cards to their classmates and name the sea creatures on each card

Presentation [Activity 2] I Am..

i.

ii.

Narrate a dialogue between two sea creatures using figurines. Pupils listen. Question and answer session pertaining to comparative phrases.

Presentation [Activity 3] Comparative Adjectives

i.

ii.

Put up sentence patterns containing comparative adjectives. Explain concept: - adding -er than - doubling last letter and adding -er than

Production Chant: I Am..

i.

ii.

Put up chant. Recite and pupils follow. Divide pupils into two groups. Groups to chant the dialogue.

Closure Comic Strip: I Am..

i.

Pupils complete the comic strip of the dialogue I Am.

Improvements

Lesson Plan
Year: Topic: 3 [9-year olds] Sea Creatures [Comparative Adjectives]

Goals: i. to understand and follow simple instructions such as blow, start, stop ii. to know understand different theforms concept of comparative of comparative adjectives adjectives iii. to perform a simple chant LOs: 1.4.2 Listen to and follow simple instructions to do something or make something 2.1.5 Chant rhymes and sing songs pronouncing words clearly 2.4.3 Recite simple poems and sing songs with expression and appropriate gestures 3.2.1 Recognise and read out whole words 4.3.2 3.6.4 Complete Pick out words missing that words show in comparison simple texts such as instructions, directions, descriptions, rhymes, stories and other texts [with guidance in the form of words and pictures]

Presentation [Activity 3] Comparative Adjectives

i.

ii.

Put up sentence patterns containing comparative adjectives. Introduce different forms of comparative adjectives: Explain concept: - adding -er than - doubling last letter and adding -er than - replacing last letter y with -ier than

Teaching Material

Sentence Cards

Size of sentence cards used in the first lesson

Size of improved sentence cards in subsequent lessons

Reflections

Ms Kwa (conducted LP1 & LP2 and observed LP3)

It was very useful to have input from the observers [my colleagues and the researcher] to better improve my lesson plan. This lesson study project could save teachers time as the prepared teaching aids and worksheet can be shared. I also discover that this Lesson Study method has afforded me an opportunity to think deeper about my own teaching strategy and methodology. In the course of discussing with my colleagues, I was able to come up with ideas to improve on my class instruction, strategy, etc. In a way, lesson study provides professional upgrading for each individual as we are able to learn from each other informally.

Ms Norazian (conducted LP3 and observed LP1, LP2)

I am very happy and delighted to be involved in this lesson study project. I learnt new teaching strategies and skills during the first and second observations. The group discussions help me to adapt and produce new ideas in teaching to make the lesson more interesting. It is also good input for teachers as they can sit together and discuss better solutions for teaching difficult topics.

Ms Nor Azura (observed LP1, LP2 & LP3)

Frankly, I had significant reservations as the process began. We were three teachers who had never worked together in terms of teaching. I thought it unlikely that we would be able to create and work effectively toward a common goal. I also questioned whether we would have enough of a common frame of reference to offer useful feedback to each other. We began with a rather fitful attempt at goal-setting. At first, this activity felt hopeless but in retrospect, it was in fact the perfect way for us to begin. As we talked of our dreams for our pupils and the gaps that prevented their fulfillment, we were getting to know each other. This discussion allowed each of us to share our visions and frustrations, and it became apparent that despite our differences we had a great deal in common. What seemed like something of an aimless, philosophical discussion actually created the beginnings of the common ground from which we could work together. We also created a pretty good goal - one that each of us found worthwhile and that we were willing to extend ourselves to achieve. Clearly, the value of lesson study is primarily in the process, the creating, the professional dialogue, and in looking at a broader picture of what we do as teachers.

Reminders

One standard lesson plan may not be workable for all classes. A teacher would still need to adopt and adapt activities in the lesson to suit the needs of the pupils in the class. Lesson Study is a continuous learning process as it gives an opportunity to participating teachers to emulate each others strong/good qualities in teaching.

The Lesson Study method affords flexibility in using the lesson plan.

Thank you