2023 Lesson Study Summer Institute

Teaching through Problem-Solving

Prieto Math and Science Academy
August 7 – 11, 2023

Do not miss it. It will change the way you approach math instruction. —Angela Norcik, Kilmer Elementary

Are you concerned about your students’ ability to understand and solve problems? Do your students give up or ask for help right away when faced with an unfamiliar problem? Would you like to see more active discussions in your classes, with students formulating arguments and critiquing the reasoning of others?

Japanese teachers, drawing upon recommendations coming from the U.S., developed a way of teaching mathematics and problem-solving at the same time, called “teaching math through problem-solving” (TTP). More and more teachers in Chicago and elsewhere are learning this approach and discovering that their students learn more and that math class becomes more fun for everyone.

Lesson Study Alliance invites teams of 3-6 educators to participate in this 4½-day workshop to learn the principles of Teaching through Problem Solving. As part of the process, a coach will guide your team through Lesson Study, a powerful structure for professional learning, which can support on-going, school-wide improvement. By the end of the workshop, teams will have a draft “research lesson proposal” for their TTP lesson.

Although the workshop will focus on mathematics, science teams are encouraged to participate as well. Leaders with expertise in science education and lesson study will support you.

On-line participation option

An on-line option may be possible, for teams far from Chicago. Please contact us to discuss whether this option will work for you.

Dates and times

The workshop will run 9:00 – 2:30, August 7–9 and 9:00 – noon on August 10.

Accelerated program for experienced teams

Teams that have previously attended the institute or that have experience with teaching through problem solving can request approval to skip August 7.

Who should attend

Teams of 3-6 persons consisting of any of the following should attend:

• Teachers of mathematics or science for grades K-12. Both grade-level and cross-grade teams are encouraged.
• School-based instructional leaders (with a teacher team), such as principals or curriculum coordinators
• Network or district instructional leaders.

Cost

• $2520 per team

Follow-up support

Lesson Study Alliance staff will provide follow-up support during the 2023-2024 academic year, providing a moderator and final commentator for your research lesson.

Professional development credit

Professional development credit will be available for Illinois teachers. Teachers from other states should contact us to find out if p.d. credit can be provided.

How to sign up

Step 1: Submit an application form by June 15. Click here to download the form. Note that all participants and the school principal will need to sign the form.

Step 2: Register all participants at LSAlliance.org/registration.html by June 30. Register each team separately.

Step 3: Submit payment by check or purchase order by July 14.

To ensure that we can provide high-quality support, the number of teams will be limited.