Variation in approaches to lesson analysis – alternative tools for the reconstruction of teaching

The purpose of this paper is to review the variation in methods used to analyse lessons in order to improve teaching and learning.

It addresses the question of how observations of lessons can be analysed, and what approaches and methods are applicable in the analysis of collected data in lesson and learning studies.

In lesson studies, the focus of research varies, the content and context of lessons vary and a variety of qualitative methods are applied in the analysis of lessons. Lesson study is proving to be a versatile research approach to the development of the quality of teaching and learning.

This review provides an overview of some qualitative methods of content analysis used as analytic tools in the studies presented in this issue of the journal.