Historical Development of Lesson Study in Japan

This chapter discusses the origins and historical development of lesson study in Japan. Lesson study began around 150 years ago as a way to disseminate classroom teaching from the West. However, lesson study is not a uniform model. The practice has transformed to serve different purposes and educational ideals. It has been used as both a top-down and bottom-up initiative, a scientific investigation of effective learning, as well as a personal and narrative learning experience in classrooms. This chapter reveals the unique historical, social, and cultural contexts of Japanese schooling that have supported the dynamic development of lesson study. Lesson study is not a fixed practice but continues to transform to meet changing educational contexts.