Scale (ratio)

Mathematics education

Cartography

Pedagogy

Faculty development

Professional development

Psychology

Geography

Sociology

Lesson study

Mathematics teacher education and development

Japanese Lesson Study has come under increasing attention from educators in theWest and throughout South-East Asia since it was revealed outside Japan through therelease of the TIMSS Video Study. In this paper we argue that Japanese Lesson Studyprovides a model for large scale, sustainable professional development. In particular,we draw on our own experience of Japanese Lesson Study and the research literatureto describe its characteristic features and examine some of the cultural assumptionsthat underpin its implementation.

Japanese Lesson Study: Teacher Professional Development through Communities of Inquiry