Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) and Lesson Study (LS): a comparative analysis of two successful teaching methods

Abstract

Educational researchers are concerned with the investigation and improvement of teaching methods, and data obtained this study evidences their efficacy. The Personalized System of Instruction (PSI) and Lesson Study (LS) are two evidence-based effective teaching methods applied in varied disciplines in several countries with different theoretical backgrounds, procedures and evaluation strategies.  In general, PSI research focuses on student development, lesson planning relies on an instructor, instructions are written, evaluation based on experimental manipulation, and shortcomings involve issues like student procrastination, excessive preparation and supervisor training time. LS research focuses on teacher and student development, instructions are varied, the assessment is based on a performance of the student, and teacher perception and shortcomings include excessive meeting time. This article suggests that both PSI and LS can benefit from the investigating implementation of each other’s features.