Project Overview
This project is developing and testing a research-based toolkit designed to help mathematics lesson study groups use research-based knowledge effectively. The toolkit focuses on an area of mathematics that is problematic for U.S. students (mathematical representations), and includes resources designed to help lesson study groups learn about this topic and its teaching-learning (such as mathematical tasks, examples of student work, lesson videos, and research articles). The project will compare three experimental conditions: (1) lesson study with the toolkits; (2) lesson study without the toolkits; and (3) locally-chosen non lesson study (usual, or locally-determined) professional development.
Study Setting & Population
The sample is being recruited via lesson study listserves and professional networks. The final sample will include approximately 39 lesson study groups, 156 elementary school teachers, and 975 elementary school students, ranging widely in urbanicity, socioeconomic status, and other demographics. Lesson study groups interested in study participation should email Melissa Crockett (mcrockett@mills.edu) for study specifications.
Research Design and Methods
In Phase 1 we are developing, pilot testing, and refining the toolkit, drawing on systematic input from a panel of expert advisors. In Phase 2, thirty-nine volunteering lesson study groups will be stratified into the trios described above based on student and teacher demographic variables. One group from each trio will be randomly assigned to one of the three experimental conditions. This will result in thirteen lesson study groups for each condition. One lesson study cycle per lesson study group will be observed and student data gathered. Data will include: video and audio recording of lesson study meetings, meeting reports from participants and observers, artifacts from lessons (e.g., lesson plans, mathematical tasks, worksheets, and student work), and pre- and post- teacher and student assessments.