Sta Lucia High School teachers present their research in the WALS conference

L-R: Dr. Erlina Ronda, Mr. Gilbert Inocencio (Principal), Ms. Julie Reyes, Ms. Mineria Se (LS team members, presenters), Manuel Mirasol (LS Team Member)
Ms Mineria Se and Julie Reyes of Sta. Lucia High School presented their research at the World Association of Lesson Studies International Conference 2017 (WALS 2017) with the theme Bridging Research and Practice through Lesson Study. The research, titled Adapting Lesson Study and Teaching Mathematics through Problem Solving: Tensions, Dilemmas, Opportunities, was a collaboration with Dr. Erlina Ronda of UP NISMED.
WALS is an international organization that aims to promote and advance the research and practices focused on Lesson Studies in order to improve the quality of teaching and learning. This year’s WALS conference was held on 24-27 November 2017 in Nagoya University with over 900 participants and 386 presentations from 38 countries. The participants were composed of educators, researchers and teachers doing and interested in lesson study.
Guided by the research question, What are the tensions, dilemmas and opportunities for learning in adapting lesson study?, Ms. Se and Ms. Reyes collected data from fifteen of their co-teachers through questionnaires and group interview. These teachers had been involved in lesson study for three years. The research instruments were co-developed with Dr. Ronda. The teacher-researchers themselves analyzed the data and presented the results from their perspective and from that of their co-teachers. Their presentation was well-received by the audience. The study’s results resonated with the audience, especially those who are just starting their lesson study or initiating their teachers to lesson study as a school-based professional development.
Mr. Gilbert Inocencio, the principal of Sta. Lucia High School, gave his full support to the teachers not only for the research reported in the conference but also for the lesson study activities of the school. The mathematics teachers of Sta. Lucia High School are all pioneer members of Philippine Association of Lesson and Learning Studies, Inc. (PALS). Also, they have been presenting some of their work in conferences organized by UP NISMED, including those in 2013 and 2014. The mathematics department of Sta. Lucia High School was introduced by UP NISMED to the lesson study in 2010. The teachers continued doing lesson study even after the project with NISMED ended in 2014.
By participating in the WALS conference, Ms. Reyes and Ms. Se, together with Mr. Inocencio and co-teacher Mr. Manuel Mirasol, earned their membership to this international organization for 2018. This membership includes access to publications in the WALS journal, the International Journal for Lesson and Learning Studies.
Said Ms. Se of her experience:
My experience as a paper presenter in Nagoya, Japan is the highlight of my career as a public school teacher. I was challenged to give the best that I could as I share our output in front of the different races. The preparation was tough and I had many sleepless nights. However, during the presentation, all of my anxieties disappeared and I felt so accomplished after. It made me realize that Lesson Study really opens the door of possibilities and opportunities when embraced with openness coupled with willingness.
Not even in my wildest imagination did I think that through lesson study I will be able to experience the beauty of Nagoya, Japan. Truly, it was an amazing experience which I engraved in my heart.
Apart from Sta. Lucia High School, Rizal High School teachers also presented at the WALS conference.