In a continuous effort to enhance the quality of mathematics education across Southeast Asia, the SEAMEO Regional Centre for QITEP in Mathematics (SEAQiM) has been organizing an exciting, in-depth professional development course entitled “Developing Lesson Study in Mathematics Education for Senior High School Mathematics Teachers.” This prestigious course, scheduled for October 15–28, 2024, will gather senior high school mathematics teachers from across the region to delve into lesson study, a dynamic approach to collaborative teaching and learning improvement.
Lesson Study enables educators to identify best practices, discover new insights into student behaviour, and address challenges in real time by focusing on a detailed exploration of teaching strategies. This empowers teachers to transform classrooms into hubs of innovation, critical thinking, and engagement.
The course opened on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, with a formal ceremony featuring key remarks from SEAQiM’s Director and distinguished guest, Prof. Masami Isoda from CRICED, University of Tsukuba.
After the welcome address, participants were introduced to the principles of SEAMEO, which governs education collaboration in Southeast Asia. The highlight of the first day was a comprehensive session on Lesson Study Practices in Southeast Asia led by the renowned Prof. Masami Isoda. Teachers from across the region were introduced to real-world applications of Lesson Study, highlighting its success in enhancing mathematics education.
Derek Robinson, an expert at the University of Plymouth, United Kingdom, led the day’s sessions on the Concepts and Principles of Lesson Study. He highlighted how this approach fosters a collaborative teaching culture. Following this, participants explored the Value of Lesson Study, learning how it strengthens student engagement and promotes innovative teaching methods. The afternoon session covered Identifying Lesson Topics and Setting Goals, where teachers discussed how to align their lesson objectives with student needs and curriculum standards.
The final day of the first week saw teachers exploring the intersection of STEM with Lesson Study. Led by Russasmita Sri Padmi, the STEM for Mathematics Learning session focused on integrating STEM concepts into classroom teaching, making mathematics more relatable and practical for students. Tyas Wirani introduced participants to Hypothetical Learning Trajectories, helping them understand how to effectively anticipate and guide student learning paths.
This second week opened with Prof. Ratu Ilma Indra Putri, who led a pivotal session on Observation Perspectives and Strategy in Lesson Study. Participants learned how to observe classroom interactions, focusing on both student engagement and instructional delivery. This session was essential for preparing teachers to conduct meaningful observations during the teaching phase of the Lesson Study cycle.
SEAQiM’s Course on Developing Lesson Study in Mathematics Education is designed specifically to meet the needs of senior high school mathematics teachers, recognizing the crucial role in shaping students’ understanding of complex mathematical concepts. The course aims to provide educators with a holistic understanding of the Lesson Study approach and help them integrate these methodologies into their schools and educational communities.
This course is set to be a milestone event in SEAQiM’s mission to advance educational quality in Southeast Asia. Through the power of collaborative, reflective learning, it will drive teacher and student success.
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