PLC and Lesson Study

Radhika took the students for a tour
for the set induction..a novel idea!

Alhamdulillah, we had two observations and lesson studies last thursday. The first was conducted by Radhika in 1 Majah and the second was Nash's class in 3 Sina. Both of them did a wonderful job and everyone in the panel gave their support. My utmost thanks to Nash for agreeing at the last minute to have observation and lesson study at the same time. He must have been under a lot of pressure but in all honesty, he was God-sent!

This young teacher has a lot of potential and is serious about his work. I've been waiting for a long, long time for such a teacher. It was just heart-warming. English is not dead after all!!! Granted, many prepare extra hard for an observation class but that's absolutely fine. Do what you have to do to get a good mark and Nash did just that. He executed the lesson so well especially his set induction and a creative way of making students come forward to participate. The only part that could have been improved was by not having too many activities after the paragraphs were written and displayed. The error-correction part could be another single period I felt, but all in all it was a well-thought out lesson. During our post-visit discussion, everyone had something positive to say about both lessons. Focusing on the plus points was a good way to start.

The picture on 'gotong-royong'
 that Nash used in his lesson :)

As a senior teacher, the lesson reminded me of myself preparing for an observation (I'm still observed twice a year) It also reminded me of the many classes I had to observe in my teaching career and there are indeed many stories to tell...one that I remember vividly was that of a not-so-young teacher who coolly sat down while observation was taking place in her class. I blamed myself for the lack of respect she showed to me. Perhaps she had wanted an administrator to do the observation not an excellent teacher.

I  wish this young teacher the very best in his career. More often than not I encounter those who fizzle out after being posted to school- young grads who are roaring to go so to speak but somehow end up 'stunted' or 'lost' by external factors? I pray that he keeps his focus in teaching and not be swayed by co curricular responsibilities (seen too many) and other non-teaching responsibilities for the simple fact that we need good teachers in school for our children. We owe it to them!


Enjoy the picts.

Kudos to the both teachers and the English panel!


Happy teaching!

Nash' class - writing a speech

Radhika in action- the simple present tense

Those who can DO, Those who can do more TEACH

Lesson Study in SMK Taman Johor Jaya 2

Tomorrow I will be sharing lesson study with a group of teachers in SMK Taman Johor Jaya 2. The principal is collaborating with a PHD student on the programme and I'm glad to be of assistance. We will have theory and practical for half a day and hope that everything will go well. 

PLC (Professional learning community) is the buzzword now and lesson study (LS) is undoubtedly an important programme/tool to produce quality teachers. How can you improve teaching without LS? This was one question popped at me during a course/meeting I attended some time back. It got me thinking....a lot...and thinking is what we teachers need to do more.......seriously :) How can we even dream of thinking classrooms if teachers are not doing enough thinking about what happens in the four walls of the classroom? How do we sharpen the saw as teachers? Are we faking it?

If a teacher doesn't sit down and plan quality lessons then we are going no where. You can shove down their throats all sorts of programmes and ideas but the teacher has got to do his or her basic responsibility which is to prepare lessons and teach well. Of course, it takes time to become skillful at your trade but it has to start from thinking about the lesson and planning to teach it well. It sounds like hardwork doesn't it but that is what teaching is! HARDWORK. Of course we get sidetracked by many things- co curricular activities, meetings, deadlines, courses  and what not but at the end of the day, we are paid to teach.

One way to instill professionalism in teachers is through LS i.e teachers talk about what they do best in the classroom- TEACHING. Not many take LS up because they say it's time-consuming, frightening etc. Yes I realise it takes time for a professional culture to be instilled in our teachers. Time and space (plus recognition) must be accorded to teachers. We have many programmes in place but some are just touch and go. My take is that we don't need so many programmes- the MOE does not have to jump at every single new idea and launch it. Instead take a few and develop and sustain them. LS could be such a programme. Many a lab to brainstorm ideas is good but does the idea reach the masses, the teachers?

Schools can be more creative in the running of its daily affairs and braver to change things. Do away with maintenance culture and switch to developmental culture. Instead of having endless meetings in the afternoons, conduct LS where teachers learn and collaborate. Why not? And if principals are brave enough, start the culture by using some of the morning classes for LS. Instructional time is not wasted but enhanced. The impact I believe, will be far-reaching. LS will ultimately shape the kind of professionalism we dream of in teachers. Let me leave you with this quote to ponder upon. It got me thinking a lot!

If they aren't learning 
you aren't teaching.

 

(credit: google images)

Those who can DO, Those who can do more TEACH

Lesson Study, Second Cycle: SMK Layang-Layang

Dateline: 2nd October 2012
Venue: SMK Layang-Layang

I was alone this time around. No officer from the PPD with me. When I arrived in SMK Layang-Layang, it was recess time so there was a bit of noise. Had breakfast first with the English teachers in the canteen before seeing the Senior Assistant. Tn Hj Mohd Yusope (PK1) decided to join us in studying a lesson today. The lesson was conducted by Hizrian, the Head of Panel and it was on language we used for expressing ourselves.

I thought the lesson plan was a solid one and am thinking of using it with my students after the end-of-year exam. The lesson objectives were achieved except for objective number three. We had a slight problem with this one because two colleagues decided to join in and helped the students while they were doing the group activity. The colleagues had all the good intentions...unfortunately this wasn't the right protocol as the teacher being observed was Hizrian. This wasn't about co-teaching as the lesson plan reflected. Anyway, overall, the lesson went well. As the emphasis was listening and speaking, I was hoping to see the students speaking more than the teacher though...I thought Hizrian had a way with students and I like his explanations on the purpose of communication after each activity. They reinforced the activities students just carried out although he needs to reduce the explanations sometimes. 

It's amazing how much I've learned in my school visits and interactions with young teachers-something I'd volunteer to do in future. I hope I had been useful in this visit. To the English teachers in SMK Layang-Layang, good job!

research lesson in progress

interesting lesson!

Hizrian..has a lot of potential

critical friends helping out..

 The Thinking Teacher

Lesson Study Publications by Teacher Division, MOE

I was privilidged to be a part of the Professional Learning Community: Lesson Study project with Teacher Division, MOE last year. Here are two publications I received for reference.My most recent involvement was a school visit to SMK Layang-Layang with officers from PPD Kluang last month.

The Thinking Teacher

Lesson Study in SMK Layang-Layang

Date: 26th June 2012
Venue: SMK Layang-Layang

I arrived forty-five minutes earlier in SMK Layang-Layang to assist the PPD in the Bahagian Pendidikan Guru Professional Learning Community, Lesson Study Programme. Schools in band 6 and 7 have been selected for the programme and SMK Layang Layang is one of the schools in Johor. As a PR (Pakar Rujuk) for English Language, I assisted En Mohd Suffian Mohd Aris and En Musa (English Officer) from the PPD Kluang for a classroom visit. I enjoyed the lesson carried by Amalia, a young teacher who just started teaching for a month in the school. Post-observation reflection was held in the meeting room where all members of the English panel and officers reflected and gave their feedback on the lesson. Amalia had definitely put in a lot of effort in the lesson and executed it well. One thing I really liked was the video clip used as a set induction. It had lyrics accompanying it and this is very useful for rural students who may not comprehend the American accent. Not only was the video relevant to the teaching point (Recycling) but also clear and crisp. Overall, we agreed that the lesson achieved its objectives. Well-done!

the sert induction

a product for recycling

group work

En Musa (knowleadgeable other) from PPD Kluang

Amalia assisting her students

En Sufian (knowlegeable other) from PPD Kluang and Ms Wong, panel member

The Thinking Teacher

National Open Class Lesson Study 2011

Looks like I can't wait for 2012 to start blogging again :) Too long a rest is numbing my brains to be honest. First,  I want to share this national convention on Lesson Study, a Teacher Division Programme under the NKRA initiative to improve teacher quality.

 

(courtesy: The Star Online)

Sunday December 18, 2011

Boost for 289 schools under programme

Dr Azian with (from right) Prof Isoda, Prof Insprasitha and Prof Kuno at the seminar.

THE Education Ministry has asked 289 secondary schools (under Band 6 and 7 of the school ranking system) to adopt the “Lesson Study” programme in an effort to improve teaching practises.

The programme under the Professional Learning Community (PLC) concept, is a new initiative under the Ministry’s New Key Result Area (NKRA), which is 

aimed at improving the education system in the schools.

Band 6 and Band 7 is reserved for the lowest-performing schools in the school ranking system.

Dr Azian Abdullah, director of Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organisation - Regional Centre for Education in Science and Mathematics (Seameo-Recsam) said the programme initiated by the Teacher Training Division (TTD) was aimed at improving the educators’ teaching methods and brought about a better learning experience among students.

“The programme has been adopted in Japan for over a century and is now being applied by teachers in schools here,” she said when opening the two-day ‘National Open Class Lesson Study 2011’ seminar at the Seameo-Recsam premises in Penang.

The programme involves three stages of implementation where a participating teacher would be selected to prepare the learning tools to teach the students. The teacher would then instruct and coach the students under the close observation of her colleague. Professional Development Sector (PDS) deputy director Sukeman Suradi said four core subjects, English, Mathematics, Science and History were chosen for the programme. PDS is a sector under TTD.

Prof Hiroyuki Kuno from Aichi University of Education in Japan and Prof Maitree Insprasitha from Khon Kaen University in Thailand were invited to deliver talks during the two-day seminar. Also present was Prof Masami Isoda from University of Tsukuba in Japan who is an expert in Lesson Study.

The Thinking Teacher

Lesson Study: SM Kahang Timur, Kluang

Date: 24th Sept 2011 (Saturday)
Venue: SM Kahang Timur, Kluang

Today I had a two-hour session with the teachers of SMK Kahang Timur on Lesson Study. The concept was explained and videos were shown to help teachers carry it out well in school. Thanks to En Ibrahim Omar (Principal) and En Abdul Razak Mohd Noah (Senior Assistant) for the invitation. Unfortunately the battery was weak so no photos...

Professional Learning Community: Lesson Study: NKRA, BPG, MOE

Date: 12-14th September 2011
Venue: Telok Dalam Resort, Pangkor

When I arrived at Teluk Dalam (after a gruelling seven-hour drive), the chalets that greeted me looked familiar. I thought I'd seen them in some movie or programme. Only later did I realise that the resort was filmed in one of the movies by the Senario group. It was a fantastic retreat I have to say- kampung house on stilts welcomed us and the sounds of waves lapping in the open sea. The cafe was strategically placed overlooking the sea and the breeze was refreshing. This was my third trip to Pangkor after more than ten years! Was excited to meet Jugdeep and Hayati particularly, being English teachers! This was the more exciting part- meeting friends. Incidentally, I shall be driving this route again tomorrow for ICELT with Fuziana, Fazleen and Suziana, so it should be quite familiar. Meeting was great and I hope for more success for Lesson Study next year!

The compound

Some Pangkor anchovies to take home.

A gazebo by the sea..

Lesson Study Course, Kluang District

Date: 20 August 2011 (Saturday)
Time: 8.00 a.m. - 12.30 a.m.

Venue: PPD Kluang
Facilitators: Tn Hj Ezzudin Adnan, Mohd Redhzuan Amat, Rahmah Hj Sayuti

140 Excellent Teachers and all Senior Assistants from all primary schools and secondary schools in Kluang attended this half-day course. The objectives of the course were to expose the participants to Lesson Study and how to carry it out in schools. Prior to the course, the MGCK committee met to discuss the Kluang set up with Tn Hj Jalil Satari, PPD Academic. The following are useful documents for schools to use:

• Struktur JK Lesson Study Daerah Kluang
• Fungsi Struktur Organisasi Lesson Study Daerah Kluang
• Pelan Tindakan 2011
• Contoh Rancangan Pengajaran: Lampiran 4b- Matematik
• Contoh Rancangan Pengajaran: Lampiran 4b- Sains
• Contoh Rancangan Pengajaran: Lampiran 4b- English
• Contoh Rancangan Pengajaran: Lampiran 4b- Sejarah

 
Good luck to Kluang!

Lesson Study

Date: 18th May 2011
Venue: PKG Kota Dalam, Air Hitam

I must say this was a very excruciating meeting for me where ideas and suggestions just didn't seem to match. It was east meets west :) I've never felt so frustrated before...was at pains trying to explain the fundamentals of LS and to be understood. If only, one can be open to criticism and ideas. However,  kudos to the JU's for their effort. And all the best!

~the thinking teacher~

Lesson Study

Under the NKRA initiative, the Teacher Division of MOE is introducing lesson study in a big way to help teachers all over Malaysia. In line with MBMMBI policy, plans are in place to create a professional learning community to help teachers enhance their teaching practice and students' performance. Here are some notes and sites I found to be very useful:  

Lesson study* is a professional development process that Japanese teachers engage in to systematically examine their practice, with the goal of becoming more effective. This examination centers on teachers working collaboratively on a small number of "study lessons". Working on these study lessons involves planning, teaching, observing, and critiquing the lessons. To provide focus and direction to this work, the teachers select an overarching goal and related research question that they want to explore. This research question then serves to guide their work on all the study lessons. 

Lesson Study in action in Singapore

While working on a study lesson, teachers jointly draw up a detailed plan for the lesson, which one of the teachers uses to teach the lesson in a real classroom (as other group members observe the lesson). The group then comes together to discuss their observations of the lesson. Often, the group revises the lesson, and another teacher implements it in a second classroom, while group members again look on. The group will come together again to discuss the observed instruction. Finally, the teachers produce a report of what their study lessons have taught them, particularly with respect to their research question. 

*"Derived from the Japanese word jugyokenkyuu, the term 'lesson study' was coined by Makoto Yoshida...it can also be translated in reverse as 'research lesson' [coined by Catherine Lewis], which indicates the level of scrutiny applied to individual lessons." --RBS Currents, Spring/ Summer 2002

(credit: http://www.tc.columbia.edu/lessonstudy/lessonstudy.html)

 The video below is a neat and interesting way to explain the concept behind Lesson Study:

(credit: http://schoolwaxtv.com/lesson-study-cycle)

Related Videos

• The Lesson Study Cycle
• Lesson Study Observation
• Lesson Study Implementation
• What is Lesson Study?
• How to Measure the Success of the Lesson Study Process
• What is the purpose of debriefing?
• What is the importance of team collaboration?
• What is the role of observers?
• What is included in the lesson script?
• Meeting the Challenge - Learning Sustainability

(credit: http://schoolwaxtv.com/lesson-study-cycle)

Links:
Pilot Lesson Study in England
Tools for conducting Lesson Study
Lesson Study as a Professional Development Strategy
Lesson Study Packet One Document (excellent)