Find out how much time lesson study requires and set your meeting schedule.
GOALS
Budgeting and Planning Your Time
Set your meeting schedule in advance so you know exactly what to expect.
How Much Time Does Lesson Study Require?
Try to allow at least 10 hours for a Lesson Study cycle–preferably in sessions spread over time. The sample schedule below illustrates how time might be allocated across the cycle:
| Cycle Stage | Number of Sessions (1 to 1.5 hour sessions) | Session Activities |
|---|---|---|
| PREPARE | 0-2 sessions | Develop norms, roles, and schedules. Learn about Lesson Study |
| STUDY | 3-4 sessions | Study standards, curriculum, and research |
| PLAN | 3-4 sessions | Plan the unit and research lesson, and conduct a mock-up lesson |
| TEACH | 30 minutes + 1 class period |
Pre-lesson discussion Teach and observe the research lesson |
| REFLECT | 1 session on same day as lesson. 1 session up to 1 week later |
Post-lesson discussion End-of-cycle reflection meeting |
If possible, schedule Lesson Study meetings for the entire school year in advance so you need not interrupt the work of each meeting to schedule the next meeting. Setting the research lesson date in advance will help you pace your work and allow you to schedule substitutes and outside specialists.
How Many Cycles Should Your Team Do?
If possible, team members should commit up front to conduct two Lesson Study cycles, since the process usually becomes more comfortable and useful with experience. Two or three Lesson Study cycles during a school year is typical for a Lesson Study team.
Resources:
Sample Schedule for a Lesson Study Cycle
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