What is Lesson Study?

In preparation for the first meeting, participants read the following article as an introduction to lesson study:

• A Lesson Is Like a Swiftly Flowing River: How Japanese Lessons Improve Japanese Education: by Catherine Lewis & Ineko Tsuchida

What are Functions?

In preparation for the second meeting, participants read the following chapter as a starting off point for discussions on  (1) the connections between patterns and functions, and (2) how to observe and describe student work.

• Patterns and Functions from A Collection of Math Lessons (from Grades 6 Through 8) by Marilyn Burns and Cathy Humphreys

Here are some additional readings:

• Algebra (a chapter from Math Matters: Understanding the Math We Teach)
• Algebraic Thinking in Adult Education

What concepts in functions, algebra and geometry are assessed on the TASC?

Information on which standards are assessed in each content area in math can be found in the CUNY TASC Detailed Descriptions and Sample Item documents.

On Lesson Planning

Before we start writing the research lesson, we’ll read a few articles on developing lessons that draw out and utilize student thinking:

• Aspects of Mathematics Teacher Education in Japan: Focusing on Teachers’ Roles by Yoshinori Shimizu

Here are some additional readings:

• Characteristics of Japanese Mathematics Lessons by Akihiko Takahashi
• From “Elementary and Middle School Mathematics: Teaching Developmentally” by John Van De Walle.
  • Pages 41-48, from the chapter on “Teaching Through Problem-Solving”. This section looks at three-part lesson planning and talks about the Before, During and After phases of a Problem-solving centered classroom
  • Pages 81-87, from the chapter on “Planning in the Problem-Solving Classroom”
• A World of Difference by James Hiebert and James W. Stigler

On Teaching Vocabulary

• Focused Strategies in Vocabulary Development by Rheta Rubenstein
• What’s The Big Deal About Vocabulary? by Pamela Dunston and Andrew Tyminski
• For ELLs: Vocabulary Beyond the Definitions by Nancy Roberts and Mary Truxaw
• CUNY Curriculum: Area Matters – Lesson One