Lesson Study - “When we collaborate, we improve” 01

 

       The Teacher Sharing among Chinese Independent Secondary Schools in Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan  was successfully hosted by the English Language Centre (ELC) of Hin Hua High School on 4th August 2018. The focus of this sharing was on Lesson Study which emphasises the importance of collaboration, and thus the theme was “When we collaborate, we improve”.  It involved an introduction of Lesson Study and 9 parallel interactive workshops presented by all English teachers at ELC with the aims to enable the participants to grasp the concept of lesson study, cultivate collaborative culture and

experience different teaching strategies. This sharing was ended with a question and answer session led by Mdm Boo, the vice-principal and head of English Language Centre, Dr Teoh Hee Cheong, the head of Teaching and Learning Research and Development committee  and members of the ELC Management Committee.

       The event brought together eleven independent Chinese schools around Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Negeri Sembilan, Kedah, Kelantan and Kuantan. Besides the sharing of lesson study, this event also provided a valuable networking opportunity and set the stage for further cooperation among teachers in independent Chinese secondary schools in Peninsular Malaysia.

       The conference began with an opening remark by the vice-principal and head of ELC, Mdm Boo. She began her speech by welcoming all participating schools and emphasised the need to conduct continuous professional development (CPD) programmes in order to assist all students to acquire essential English language skills for their future. She added, as teachers, one must not only have the subject knowledge and ability to teach, but also the right attitude. This will lead teachers towards effective teaching and learning, organizing their work well and also adding value to their work.  

       In addition, Mdm Boo gave a brief introduction to Lesson Study which covers lesson planning, peer observation, reflection, improvements on the lesson plan and finally action research. It takes a complete cycle of lesson study for teachers to create a tested and improved lesson plan which benefits students in the long run. 

       It was then continued with nine parallel interactive workshop presentations by all the English teachers at ELC. The participants had the opportunity to attend two workshops of their choice during this event. They were kept engaged in various activities and hands-on practices during the workshops. The topics presented covered  writing, speaking, listening, reading and integrated skills.

       On that day, 16 groups of students were also invited to present their research projects during the registration and tea break. It served as a good exposure for these student-presenters to communicate with English teachers from other schools. Consequently, they were able to build their confidence and improve their speaking skills in an authentic communicative environment.