Pre-service mathematics teachers’ learning to notice student statistical thinking in the context of lesson study

Abstract

It is important to note that the development of pre-service teachers’ noticing abilities does not happen spontaneously; hence, assistance programs are crucial. This qualitative study aimed to examine pre-service teachers’ noticing of student thinking within the context of lesson study. Three pre-service teachers conducted three lesson study cycles. Lesson plans, voice and video recordings of lesson study meetings and implementations, observations, field notes, and reflective writings are used as data collection techniques. The findings indicated that the pre-service teachers’ early levels of noticing were constrained. Their noticing levels increased as the lesson study progressed. Hence, the improvement of pre-service teachers’ noticing abilities can be assisted by lesson study. Activities such as planning, reflection and implementation helped pre-service teachers develop their noticing levels. To enhance the development of noticing skills, it can be proposed that lesson study should be integrated into teacher training programs.