Raising the quality of teaching through Kyouzai Kenkyuu – the study of teaching materials

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 10-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Sarkar Arani
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Lesson Study ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Shared Knowledge ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Teaching Materials ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Of Teaching ◽  
Beliefs And Values

Purpose This study attempts to provide cross-cultural learning by focusing on a very important aspect of research, the study of teaching materials, known as Kyouzai Kenkyuu in Japan. The purpose of this paper is to investigate teachers’ views and awareness about the study of teaching materials, in particular, the views and awareness of Iranian teachers, who are beginning to understand their teaching practice and professional development through lesson study. Design/methodology/approach Qualitative research methods were employed for data collection. These methods included comparative analysis of an Iranian mathematics lesson from the perspective of Japanese educators and semi-structured interviews with all participants of the lesson analysis meetings. Findings The findings are intended to position Kyouzai Kenkyuu as an important aspect of Japanese lesson study and to make explicit the beliefs and values that underpin and shape pedagogical reasoning that support researchers and practitioners to improve the quality of teaching through lesson study. This was achieved through post-lesson discussion meetings, and the beliefs and values were those the participants were largely unaware of but could be clarified through a cross-cultural comparison. For instance, Japanese teachers focus more on learners and the study of teaching materials for raising the quality of teaching, whereas Iranian teachers focus more on the content of teaching and teacher behavior. Research limitations/implications This study delivers a transnational learning opportunity for teachers and researchers to learn how to provide evidence-based analysis of a lesson to raise the quality of teaching. However, as this is a case study and focuses specifically on Kyouzai Kenkyuu, it opens up the possibility for comparative analysis of more sample lessons and other aspects of Japanese lesson study. Practical implications It may be interesting for teachers and researchers to see how such a study could help them revise their quality of teaching through lesson study and construct shared knowledge about how to teach and to clarify “the pedagogical theories” that underpin such knowledge building. Social implications The value of this study is in its ability to reveal to educators their own unconscious teaching script and knowledge and “the pedagogical theories” that underpin such knowledge. It provides an opportunity for evidence-based critiques of our own teaching script, theory, view and values that we accept culturally, share tacitly and may not even be aware of in the construction process. Originality/value This study combines careful measurement with an “insider’s perspective” from Iran and an “outsider’s perspective” from Japan of differing educational concepts within the same subject area. The objective is to provide a deeper understanding of the real world of lesson study and how it can help educators to construct shared knowledge about how to teach in practice and to support teachers to revise the cultural context of teaching.

Cross cultural analysis of an Iranian mathematics lesson

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-139 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Sarkar Arani
Keyword(s):  
Lesson Study ◽  
Cultural Analysis ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Mathematics Lesson ◽  
Mathematical Communication ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Of Teaching ◽  
Japanese Lesson Study ◽  
Cross Cultural Analysis

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine an Iranian mathematics lesson through the eyes of Japanese educators, and the critiques of Iranian teachers for raising the quality of teaching. In this paper, the Japanese lesson study process is considered as an approach to raising the quality of teaching. Design/methodology/approach – Qualitative methods including pre-lesson planning, peer observation of the lesson, post-lesson discussion, and semi-structured interviews with the participants of the post-lesson discussion meetings in Iran and Japan were employed for data collection. A detailed description and analysis of the lesson is provided for deep understanding of students’ mathematical communication in the class and teachers’ points of view in the post-lesson discussions about raising the quality of teaching. Findings – The findings are intended to clarify the significant influence that cross-cultural analysis has exerted on raising the quality of teaching and developing a culture of transnational learning that supports teachers to design appropriate learning tasks, to conceptualize mathematical phenomena, and to provide mathematical communication which encourage students to participate more in classroom activities. Research limitations/implications – This study provides a transnational learning opportunity for Iranian teachers to learn from Japanese educators how to deliver evidence-based analysis of a lesson for raising the quality of teaching in practice, look culturally and differently at what actually goes on in the classroom, and localize lesson study as a global approach to the “science of improvement.” However, issues to be considered in future studies include how such “small changes” can be linked together in local communities to expand the improvement from bottom up, and how to facilitate collaboration with the global community to expand transnational learning. Practical implications – Traditionally in Iran, there are a variety of teacher training programs but there are no examples of lesson study like those that take place in Japan as a model of practitioner inquiry for raising quality of teaching. Hence, it can be said that Japanese lesson study may provide a new approach of transnational learning in the Iranian education context for building a “science of improvement.” Social implications – In the case of Iran, especially at the elementary school level, teachers do not have enough preparation or experience. Therefore, raising the quality of teaching through lesson study that has an actual impact on teacher and teaching quality and developing a “science of improvement” has become a pressing concern in national and international contexts. Originality/value – The case study shows that the transfer of the Japanese model of lesson study plays a significant role in harnessing the potential of students and teachers as well as teachers themselves by improving teaching. Efforts by teachers to communicate and learn from each other’s strengths, in fact lead to the realizing of the students potential and thinking process. In particular, it helps supply more open-end and in-depth task learning, which anticipates student thinking, understanding, recognizing and questioning.

Comparison as a Lens: Interpretation of the Cultural Script of a Korean Mathematics Lesson Through the Perspective of International Lesson Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 57-78
Author(s):  
Mohammad Reza Sarkar Arani ◽  
Yoshiaki Shibata ◽  
Ho-seong Cheon ◽  
Masanobu Sakamoto ◽  
Hiroyuki Kuno
Keyword(s):  
Lesson Study ◽  
Cultural Analysis ◽  
Cross Cultural ◽  
Teaching Mathematics ◽  
Learning Platform ◽  
Quality Of Teaching ◽  
Cultural Script ◽  
Problem Solvers ◽  
Cross Cultural Analysis

This study aims to examine how cross cultural analysis can lead to deeper understanding of the cultural script of teaching, and how teachers learn to transform their teaching script through a research-based transnational learning platform. In this study, emphasis is placed on a cross cultural analysis to view in depth the cultural script of teaching mathematics in Korea through the eyes of Japanese teachers and critical lenses of researchers’ feedback. The objective herein is to focus on the challenges whereby Korean teachers have to redesign teaching as they look at students as problem solvers. This cross cultural analysis attempts to determine the cultural script of teaching mathematics in Korea and improve the quality of teaching from the following two perspectives: 1) teacher teaching, and 2) student learning.

Variation in approaches to lesson analysis – alternative tools for the reconstruction of teaching

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 78-84
Author(s):  
Airi Rovio-Johansson
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Methods ◽  
Lesson Study ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quality Of Teaching ◽  
Lesson Analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to review the variation in methods used to analyse lessons in order to improve teaching and learning. Design/methodology/approach It addresses the question of how observations of lessons can be analysed, and what approaches and methods are applicable in the analysis of collected data in lesson and learning studies. Findings In lesson studies, the focus of research varies, the content and context of lessons vary and a variety of qualitative methods are applied in the analysis of lessons. Lesson study is proving to be a versatile research approach to the development of the quality of teaching and learning. Originality/value This review provides an overview of some qualitative methods of content analysis used as analytic tools in the studies presented in this issue of the journal.

Editorial review

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-9
Author(s):  
John Elliott
Keyword(s):  
Lesson Study ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Educational Institutions ◽  
Learning Study ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Quantitative Research Methods ◽  
Quality Of Teaching ◽  
Editorial Review

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discern and discuss links and connections between the ideas and insights contained in the articles published in Issue 6.2, in a way which portrays the key features of lesson study in an international context, its conceptual relationship with the ideas of Lawrence Stenhouse, and its analytic potential to effect pedagogical transformation in a global context. Design/methodology/approach To create a basis for a fruitful discussion about the critical features of Lesson and Learning Studies as it globalises between readers and the authors of the eight texts published, three of which are authored by practicing school teachers. Findings The author pinpoints four critical implementation issues that should provide a focus for further deliberation about how to realise the potential of lesson and learning studies for improving the quality of teaching and learning in educational institutions. These are: developing methods of analysis that disrupt and challenge the cultural scripts that shape teaching and learning in educational institutions; developing conditions and support systems that enable teachers not only to develop their practice through lesson and learning study, but also to participate in the development of theories that can powerfully inform such study; creating sustainable programmes of high-quality lesson and learning studies in educational institutions when they may stand in a state of tension with the prevailing organisational culture; and exploring the potential of creative methodological mixes, using both qualitative and quantitative research methods, for improving the quality of teaching and learning through lesson and learning study. Originality/value This editorial review provides a criterial framework for evaluating the quality of programmes of lesson and learning studies in educational institutions.

PENGEMBANGAN MODUL PEMBELAJARAN DENGAN MODEL DICK and CAREY MATA KULIAH EVALUASI PENGAJARAN

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yayan Sudrajat
Keyword(s):  
Formative Evaluation ◽  
Development Model ◽  
Teaching Materials ◽  
Evaluation Activity ◽  
Group Evaluation ◽  
Quality Of Teaching ◽  
Evaluation Of Teaching ◽  
One To One ◽  
Blue Print

Abstract The purpose of this article is to develop a learning module for the Evaluation of Teaching Indonesian at the Indraprasta University PGRI Jakarta using the Dick and Carey development model. The implementation of this instruction includes how a prospective teacher is good at evaluating teaching materials so that the lecturer feels the need to develop teaching materials to improve the quality of teaching materials using formative evaluation consisting of One-to-one evaluation by experts, One-to-one evaluation by Learners, Small Group Evaluation, and Field Trial by making a blue print of each formative evaluation activity. Keywords: Dick and Carey Development Model, Formative Evaluation, Blue Print, Summative evaluation

Assessing law enforcement websites: a comparative analysis exploring types, quantity and quality of information available

2022 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael A. Hansen ◽  
John C. Navarro ◽  
Sierra A. Malvitz
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Law Enforcement ◽  
School Districts ◽  
Information Sharing ◽  
Local Governments ◽  
Quality Of Information ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Local Law Enforcement ◽  
Local Law

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the availability of information on law enforcement websites in the state of Wisconsin.Design/methodology/approachThe study conducted a content analysis of all 179 county and municipal local law enforcement agency websites within Wisconsin. The authors then implemented a comparative analysis that explored whether the quantity and quality of information available on law enforcement websites are similar to those of local governments and school districts. The authors then estimated models to test whether there is a relationship between the population size served and gender distribution of law enforcement departments to the availability of information on law enforcement websites.FindingsLaw enforcement websites contain a noticeable lack of information. The finding is even more apparent when comparing law enforcement websites to the websites of local governments and school districts. Finally, the authors show a positive link between information sharing on law enforcement websites and the proportion of the civilian staff at an agency that are women.Originality/valuePast studies that reviewed the make-up of law enforcement websites analyzed large law enforcement departments rather than local law enforcement departments, which notably represent the majority of most law enforcement departments. The authors also explicitly demonstrate that the commitment to information sharing is lagging within law enforcement websites compared to local-level governments. Future scholarship and law enforcement departments may benefit from exploring the employment of female civilians.

scholarly journals Performance Assessment of University Lecturers: A Data Mining Approach

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Milkhatun Milkhatun ◽  
Alfi Ari Fakhrur Rizal ◽  
Ni Wayan Wiwin Asthiningsih ◽  
Asslia Johar Latipah
Keyword(s):  
Community Service ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Learning Approaches ◽  
Teaching Materials ◽  
Study Program ◽  
Data Mining Approach ◽  
Quality Of Teaching ◽  
Significant Difference

A lecturer with a good performance has a positive impact on the quality of teaching and learning. The said quality  includes the delivery of teaching materials, learning methods, and ultimately the academic results of students. Performance of lecturers contributes significantly to the quality of research and community service which in turn improves the quality of teaching materials. It is desirable, therefore, to have a method to measure the performance of lecturers in carrying out the Tri Dharma (or the three responsibility) activities, which consist of teaching and learning process, research, and community service activities, including publications at both national and international level. This study seeks to measure the performance of lecturers and cluster them into three categories, namely "satisfactory", "good", and "poor". Data were taken from academic works of nursing study program lecturers in conducting academic activities. Clustering process is carried out using two machine learning approaches, which is K-Means and K-Medoids algorithms. Evaluation of the clustering results suggests that K-Medoids algorithm performs better compared to using K-Means. DBI score for clustering techniques using K-Means is -0.417 while the score for K-Medoids is -0.652. The significant difference in the score shows that K-Medoids algorithm works better in determining the performance of lecturers in carrying out Tri Dharma activities.

Applying evidence-based HRM: the case of bonuses in the home furnishing industry

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 192-208
Author(s):  
André de Waal ◽  
Maarten Roobol
Keyword(s):  
Financial Incentives ◽  
Work Motivation ◽  
Practical Implication ◽  
Motivational Factors ◽  
Necessary Condition ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Quality Work ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Home Furnishing

Purpose – In the home furnishing industry outside contract installers produce higher quality work than in-house installers which is reflected in less revisits to customers to repair mistakes. Many home furnishing retailers are therefore contemplating introducing so that the quality of the work of in-house installers will be linked to financial incentives, thus resembling the situation of contract installers. However, a necessary condition for a successful introduction of bonuses is that in-house installers are motivated by it to deliver better quality work, i.e. cause less revisits. The purpose of this paper is to look into the question whether the introduction of bonuses could be used to increase the quality of work of in-house. Design/methodology/approach – For the research the four steps of the evidence-based HRM framework, as developed by Rousseau and Barends (2011), were used. In steps 1, literature review, the research question was formulated based on work motivation theories (in particular on intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, bonuses, and the differences between contract workers and organizational employees). In step 2, systematic gathering of facts, two existing questionnaires were combined to measure the motivation of the two types of installers. Findings – In step 3, evaluation, the differences between the motivational factors and attitude towards bonuses was analysed for both groups of installers. The research results show that although in-house installers are potentially motivated by bonuses, they differ so much from contract installers in their general work motivation that introducing bonuses by no means will be a success. In step 4, ethical considerations, the consequences of the research findings were discussed. Research limitations/implications – The main limitations are the use of a self-constructed questionnaire and the fact that the research was conducted at only one case company, thus rendering the generalization of findings problematic. Practical implications – The practical implication of the study is that management of the case company can now better prepare itself for the issues to be expected when introducing bonuses for the in-house installers. Originality/value – This research adds to the literature on the effects of bonuses on motivation. It also addresses a gap in the literature as there is currently hardly any academic literature on the conditions necessary to introduce bonuses for craftsmen successfully, and on whether this introduction is advantageous for organizations in the first place. In addition, the case company offered the opportunity to research the issue in a comparative way, by looking at the motivational factors influencing in-house installers and contract installers who work in the same conditions, something which to the knowledge of the authors has not been done before. Finally, the sue of an evidence-based HRM framework is quite unique for the human resource management field.

Clinical guidelines and patient related outcomes: summary of evidence and recommendations

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 230-238
Author(s):  
Luciana Pereira de Vasconcelos ◽  
Luiza de Oliveira Rodrigues ◽  
Moacyr Roberto Cuce Nobre
Keyword(s):  
Medical Practice ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
The Other ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Good Medical Practice ◽  
Other Hand ◽  
Care Improvement ◽  
Based Medicine

Purpose Good medical practice, evidence-based medicine (EBM) and clinical practice guidelines (CPG) have been recurring subjects in the scientific literature. EBM advocates argue that good medical practice should be guided by evidence-based CPG. On the other hand, critical authors of EBM methodology argue that various interests undermine the quality of evidence and reliability of CPG recommendations. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate patient related outcomes of CPG implementation, in light of EBM critics. Design/methodology/approach The authors opted for a rapid literature review. Findings There are few studies evaluating the effectiveness of CPG in patient-related outcomes. The systematic reviews found are not conclusive, although they suggest a positive impact of CPGs in relevant outcomes. Research limitations/implications This work was not a systematic review of literature, which is its main limitation. On the other hand, arguments from EBM and CPG critics were considered, and thus it can enlighten health institutions to recognize the caveats and to establish policies toward care improvement. Originality/value The paper is the first of its kind to discuss, based on the published literature, next steps toward better health practice, while acknowledging the caveats of this process.

Use of theoretical concepts in lesson study: an example from teacher training

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 261-273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel Martin ◽  
Anne Clerc-Georgy
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Training ◽  
Lesson Study ◽  
Initial Training ◽  
Primary School Teachers ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Concepts ◽  
Initial Teacher Training ◽  
Study Lesson ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present a lesson study (LS) approach implemented as part of the initial training of primary school teachers in a course on the oversight and accompaniment of learning. This course aims to develop students’ ability to analyse their practice and to shift attention to pupils’ learning processes. Design/methodology/approach – Data were collected on the contribution of the LS system and interaction protocols used in class, according to students. Findings – Qualitative analysis of this data shows the role played by the use of theoretical concepts in the quality of their planning, the depth of their analysis and the quality of their work in class. Practical implications – This work opens avenues for teacher training, in particular in terms of encouraging students to use theoretical concepts to prepare, implement and analyse their teaching. Originality/value – This approach is of interest in that it examines the use of theoretical concepts in a study lesson system during initial teacher training.

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