Citation
Professor Christine Lee, A. (2012), "First announcement: World Association of Lesson Studies (WALS) 2012, International Conference, Singapore", International Journal for Lesson and Learning Studies, Vol. 1 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijlls.2012.57901baa.004
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2012, Emerald Group Publishing Limited
First announcement: World Association of Lesson Studies (WALS) 2012, International Conference, Singapore
First announcement: World Association of Lesson Studies (WALS) 2012, International Conference, Singapore
Article Type: Announcements From: International Journal for Lesson and Learning Studies, Volume 1, Issue 2.
The organizing committee of WALS 2012 invites you to our annual international conference to be held in Singapore. WALS 2012 is co-organised by the National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University and Academy of Principals, Singapore. The theme of the conference is “Challenging Practice, Enhancing Partnerships, Nurturing the Child” through lesson study.
Challenging Practice, Enhancing Partnerships, Nurturing the Child
November 28-30, 2012
Venue: National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
All education systems now acknowledge that high-quality professional development of teachers is the core component in any effort at improving education. The linchpin of the educational improvement process involves investigating cultural routines that govern classroom life, questioning the assumptions that underlie these routines, and working to improve these routines over time. The WALS 2012 conference therefore makes this its first aim and will provide the platform for rich discussions and sharing on how teachers and researchers around the world challenge assumptions and strive to improve their practice of nurturing the child.
Changing the culture of the school takes time and requires the strong will and commitment of school leadership to provide conditions that will promote teacher collaboration in professional learning communities. Similarly, research findings are most beneficial when translated and made applicable to practice. Recognizing the importance of enhancing partnerships and collaborations between school leaders and teachers, and between school practitioners and researchers, WALS 2012 has made providing a platform for enhancing these partnerships the second aim of the conference. We hope to act as a meeting place for researchers and educators around the world to forge collaborations and partnerships across various cultures and societies. The WALS 2012 conference will provide opportunities and facilitate sessions where researchers and practitioners from around the world can share potential collaborative research projects.
At the heart of the intent and interest of lesson study is the holistic nurturing of the child. “Developing the eyes to see children” is the essence of lesson study across disciplines. We are keen therefore to share and showcase classroom research that provides insights on the processes of lessons and learning; and the role played by collaborations and leadership.
The WALS 2012 conference is accepting papers on lesson and learning studies related to the following sub-themes:
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Teacher Professional Development and Learning.
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Professional Learning Communities, Communities of Practice and Reflective Practice.
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University-School Partnerships; Community Partnerships.
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Lesson Studies and Learning Studies in Higher Education and Professional Education.
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Educational/School Leadership and Change.
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School Reform and Improvement.
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Research on Lessons in Different Cultures.
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Creating Knowledge in Practice.
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Designing for Deep Learning.
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Developing the Child.
Something new and exciting! The second aim of the conference is a novel but a very necessary part of the reality of our interconnected world. Comparative and collaborative work across cultures must now lie at the nexus of research and practice of education as we strive to learn from each other's attempts and successes. The WALS 2012 conference will strive to facilitate various sessions for researchers and practitioners from around the world to share potential collaborative research projects. If you have always wanted partners and collaborators across countries and contexts, your participation in WALS 2012 may well be the start of exciting synergies to take your research and practice into more meaningful dimensions.
In addition, we will be organizing post-conference optional visits to Singapore's educational institutions on the November 30. These visits will be an opportunity for you to experience our schools, institutes of technical education, polytechnics and universities.
Join us for the WALS 2012 conference and we will receive you with the warmest welcome in Singapore.
Associate Professor Christine LeeChairperson, WALS 2012 Organizing Committee, National Institute of Education, Singapore