Lesson Study for Schools as Learning Communities exploring a phenomenon

We can only achieve “the simultaneous pursuit of quality and equality” if schools and classrooms become democratic public spaces where the dignity of each individual is respected through listening relationships and where everyone is the protagonist (main actor) through learning
(Sato, 2025)

Lesson Study originated in Japan as a collaborative, classroom-enquiry based approach to developing better learning and teaching. It has been in constant use there for 150 years, uniquely contributing to Japan’s much envied success in comparative studies; and this century it has been growing in use in the West, now acknowledged as a powerful form of professional learning and a driver of school improvement with potential to raise the bars and close gaps.

Inspired by the ideas of Dewey and Vygotsky, and focusing on schools and pupils facing complex and challenging circumstances, Professor Manabu Sato proposed an extended approach, designed to promote learning as a whole school community endeavour, i.e. Schools as Learning Communities (SLC), in which all actors (teachers, leaders, parents and pupils) have choice, agency and responsibility for each-others’ learning, well-being and success. Pupils in SLC schools have opportunities to be challenged and take risks in the safety of a culture where no child is left alone and where teachers collaborate through learning-focused and open-classroom-based lesson study community.

Thirty years-on, SCL ideal has attracted a following of 3,000 schools across east Asia. The track record of his SLC team in transforming protractedly troubled schools into happy, industrious, and proud learning communities (whilst retaining the majority of existing leaders and staff) is not only remarkable but highly enviable.

Professor Sato and his team are visiting Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge, on 10th of July 2025 to share their model at the first national SLC Symposium held outside East Asia. They will be joined by leading lesson study practitioners and leaders from the UK and Europe.

You are cordially invited to attend the symposium led by this Japanese team with lesson study experts from the UK and Europe – all with an interest in harnessing lesson study’s potential to promote quality, equality and learning community

Symposium / Conference (either day; including lunch) Cost: £99 / £89 (Discounted rate)
Both Days Cost (including lunch): £139 / £129 (Discounted rate)