I’ve participated before as a teacher but this will be my first as a coach. I think we’ve adapted the Japanese model to fit our own purposes but I have found lesson studies I’ve participated in to have contributed positively to my teaching practice and professional growth.

The gradual release model, as I’ve heard it talked about, is that rather than the teacher modeling comprehension strategies all year, the teacher gradually hands over the responsibility for using the strategies to students. I like to make an analogy to technology use where teachers often hog the technology (just show powerpoints) and don’t ever hand over the tech to the students and empower them to create their own media.