The critical role of task design in lesson study

Abstract

Principles of task design are described in the context of Japanese Lesson Study. Then, through analyzing tasks used for research lessons, and analyzing teachers’ discussions during lesson planning, this chapter identifies some critical activities in designing tasks in Japanese Lesson Study. It is shown that task design and evaluation are based on kyozaikenkyu, a critical but underappreciated element of Japanese Lesson Study, and address broad educational values. Furthermore, tasks are created and designed with consideration of anticipated student thinking and solutions and are evaluated through the post-lesson discussion that follows a research lesson.