Lesson Study: Plan-Teach-Reflect-Improve-Action Research English teachers foster successful teamwork and collaboration through CPD

      As part of English Language Centre’s continuous professional development (CPD) to stay in line with the current development in ELT, all English teachers went through an intensive 3-day workshop on Lesson Study in Kuala Lumpur. ELC has always given importance to CPD programmes that expose teachers to new pedagogy to keep abreast with the latest development in teaching and learning of English language. 28 English teachers attended this workshop funded by The Tan Sri Yeoh Tiong Lay and Puan Sri Tan Kai Yong aided Hin Hua High School English Language Centre Teachers and Students  Development Fund.

      This CPD event was held from 17 to 19 March, 2018 during the first term school holiday.  On Saturday morning, ELC teachers headed to Broga Hills to unwind and have some team building activities before they explored the essence of lesson study in the workshop. Since raising the quality of our students has been one of the school’s major concerns, ELC took the initiative to invite Ms Audrey Lim Bee Yoke, head of department of Quality Assurance, English Language Teaching Centre (ELTC), Ministry of Education Malaysia to conduct the workshop. Ms Audrey is well-versed in lesson study as she has been conducting the workshops and training teachers in this area.

      ELC teachers were exposed to the essential lesson study process required for positive impact on teaching and learning. In addition, all teachers had the opportunity to explore various strategies in order to collaborate and apply lesson study as a p

rofessional development practice. Hence, this not only cultivates collaborative culture among the teachers, but also develops peer coaching skills among all, as well as executes analytic reflection and continuous improvement .

      In order to fully enhance the effectiveness of lesson study in classroom teaching, all English teachers were engaged in a lot of interactive activities, hands-on practices and lesson planning presentations throughout the workshop.  At the end of the workshop, impressed by the high spirits and motivation of her teachers, Mdm Boo, Head of English Language Centre, encouraged all teachers to keep up the momentum so as to apply what had been learnt to the actual classroom teaching and learning in no time.

      The three days and two nights workshop ended with a community service provided by ELC teachers. They visited the Pediatric Unit of Hospital Kuala Lumpur with bags of gifts contributed by the teachers and love to give away to the young patients before they began their return journey. 

      All in all, the March CPD programme marked a considerable success under the leadership of Mdm Boo, planning and execution of the management committee and close-cooperation of all the teachers from the English Language Centre.

Teacher’s feedback:

Ms Ong Shyne Ching

      I must say that I have gained a lot in this workshop. Ms Audrey  was able to take the complex and make it simple. I now have a good understanding of what lesson study is about and I am willing to give it a try. I also find Ms Audrey very helpful, encouraging and inspiring. She reminded us all that teaching is a noble and powerful profession and by doing our job right, we could change someone’s life. Her words have truly inspired me to continue to teach right and teach with all my heart.  

Ms Menaka

      The trainer was friendly and approachable. She did not mind answering questions and responding to queries raised. She was very knowledgeable and gave very clear explanation, and tailored the training content to the needs of the teachers. The training was also very engaging and interactive, and the trainer allowed teachers sufficient time for discussion. Overall, the training was a good learning experience.