Authors :
Gilbert Sinkala; Priestly Malambo
Volume/Issue :
Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 3 - March
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/mr23zhex
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/hcfdmn4k
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25mar464
Google Scholar
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Abstract :
Lesson Study is a repeated over time process based on the feedback from teachers who conduct it although the
process can either be successful or unsuccessful due to certain factors that can either support or hinder its effectiveness. The
study will explore factors that impact sustainability of lesson study in teaching and learning mathematics. The purpose of the
study would be to understand the key elements that either support or hinder the long-term success of the lesson study
approach and also to explore ways to overcome potential barriers to its sustainability through offering recommendations for
schools on how to effectively sustain lesson study practices in mathematics education. The study utilized a qualitative case
study and was based on social constructivism. Six purposively selected teachers of mathematics at two secondary schools were
involved in lesson study cycles. Data were collected through questionnaires, semi structured-interviews and lesson observation.
Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data from the three sources. The results revealed that teachers portrayed both
positive and negative attitudes towards lesson study in teaching and learning mathematics. On the negative attitudes, it was
revealed that lesson study is time-consuming and challenging while on the positive attitudes, it was found that lesson study is a
way to improve teaching practices in class. It was discovered that some negative attitudes towards lesson study by some
teachers were as a result of some factors that impacted the sustainability of lesson study in teaching and learning Mathematics.
For example, lack of resources such as materials used in lesson study activities, perceived benefits of lesson study, appropriate
implementation of lesson study activities, time constraints and lack of continuous support from some organizations such as
Non-governmental organizations and the government itself.
Based on the negative attitudes, it was suggested that headteachers should continuously orient and remind teachers that
lesson study is not time-consuming and challenging but beneficial to them and the learners. It was also recommended that the
government should continuously provide resources and advise headteachers to ensure that they include lesson study program
on the time table for it to be a success. It was also recommended that the government should continuously support teachers
through providing incentives such as allowances for their transport and lunch to encourage them to be participating in lesson
study activities in order to boost teacher confidence in delivering lessons to the learners. School leaders must also be
organizing trainings and workshops to equip teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to sustain lesson study. They must
also ensure that adequate teaching materials and resources are provided to enhance the effectiveness of lesson study. There is
also need for sufficient time for planning, observation and reflection to avoid compromising the study.
References :
- Banda, B (2007). Current Status and Challenges of In-Service Training of Teachers in Zambia −
- Based on the Experience of Introducing Lesson Study to the Schools. NUE Journal of International Educational Cooperation. 2 (1) 89-96
- Baba.T & Nakai, K (2015). “Teachers’ Institution and Participation in a Lesson Study Project in Zambia: Implication and Possibilities.” http://aadcice.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/publications/ sosho4_2- 06.pdf.
- Coe, K, Carl, A, E and Frick, L. (2010). Lesson study in Continuing Professional Teacher Development: A South African case Study. Acta Academica 42(4): 206-230
- Examinations Council of Zambia. (2016). Examinations Performance Review Report 2016, Examinations Council of Zambia. Lusaka: ECZ.
- Hunter, P & Black, L. (2011). Facilitating Sustainable Professional Development through Lesson
- Study. Mathematics Teacher Education and Development, 13 (1), 94–114
- Kihwele, J, E. (2023). Factors Influencing the Implementation of the Lesson Study Approach in
- Pre-service Teacher Education in Tanzania. East African Journal of Education and Social
- Sciences 4, (1), pp. 1-14
- Nakai, K and Baba, T. (2011). “Teachers’ Institutional and Participation in a Lesson Study
- Project in Zambia.” Paper Presented at Africa.
- Stigler, J. W., & Hiebert, J. (2009). The teaching gap: Best ideas from the world's teachers for improving education in the classroom. Simon and Schuster.
- Stutchbury, K., Gallastegi, L., & Woodward, C. (2019). Supporting Open Practices with
- Teachers in Zambia. Journal of Learning for Development 6(3), 208-227.
- Tukombe, H, Banda, B & Nakai (2017). Post Decade of Lesson Study Practice in Zambia: Milestones and Emerging Issues from the Ground. Zambia Journal of Teacher Professional.
Lesson Study is a repeated over time process based on the feedback from teachers who conduct it although the
process can either be successful or unsuccessful due to certain factors that can either support or hinder its effectiveness. The
study will explore factors that impact sustainability of lesson study in teaching and learning mathematics. The purpose of the
study would be to understand the key elements that either support or hinder the long-term success of the lesson study
approach and also to explore ways to overcome potential barriers to its sustainability through offering recommendations for
schools on how to effectively sustain lesson study practices in mathematics education. The study utilized a qualitative case
study and was based on social constructivism. Six purposively selected teachers of mathematics at two secondary schools were
involved in lesson study cycles. Data were collected through questionnaires, semi structured-interviews and lesson observation.
Thematic analysis was employed to analyse the data from the three sources. The results revealed that teachers portrayed both
positive and negative attitudes towards lesson study in teaching and learning mathematics. On the negative attitudes, it was
revealed that lesson study is time-consuming and challenging while on the positive attitudes, it was found that lesson study is a
way to improve teaching practices in class. It was discovered that some negative attitudes towards lesson study by some
teachers were as a result of some factors that impacted the sustainability of lesson study in teaching and learning Mathematics.
For example, lack of resources such as materials used in lesson study activities, perceived benefits of lesson study, appropriate
implementation of lesson study activities, time constraints and lack of continuous support from some organizations such as
Non-governmental organizations and the government itself.
Based on the negative attitudes, it was suggested that headteachers should continuously orient and remind teachers that
lesson study is not time-consuming and challenging but beneficial to them and the learners. It was also recommended that the
government should continuously provide resources and advise headteachers to ensure that they include lesson study program
on the time table for it to be a success. It was also recommended that the government should continuously support teachers
through providing incentives such as allowances for their transport and lunch to encourage them to be participating in lesson
study activities in order to boost teacher confidence in delivering lessons to the learners. School leaders must also be
organizing trainings and workshops to equip teachers with the skills and knowledge needed to sustain lesson study. They must
also ensure that adequate teaching materials and resources are provided to enhance the effectiveness of lesson study. There is
also need for sufficient time for planning, observation and reflection to avoid compromising the study.