Lesson Study in Action: A Multiple Case Study of EFL Teachers

Abstract

Traditional professional development efforts aimed at changing teacher behavior through seminars sometimes fall short of meeting contextual needs of schools and teachers. Contemporary professional development points to a change in this ‘training’ perspective, and acknowledges professional development as a complex undertaking grounded in active teacher participation. Lesson Study can respond to the demands of this paradigm shift, yet its adoption in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) contexts is limited. This multiple-case study aimed at exploring the Lesson Study process experienced by EFL teachers in a Turkish higher education context. Potential benefits of the model and what might prevent its effective implementation were investigated. Participants were 20 EFL teachers. Data from reflective reports, interviews and a questionnaire were analyzed through cross-case analysis. Results showed Lesson Study provided a collaborative learning environment, and improved teachers’ knowledge-in-practice. However, teachers’ misconceptualizing Lesson Study and lacking support mechanisms were detected among potential pitfalls. To accommodate teachers’ professional development needs, schools should adopt practices recognizing their potential as researchers, reflective practitioners, and change agents. It would be helpful to encourage teachers to experiment with Lesson Study, using it as a catalyst for change and benefiting from its advantages to teacher learning.