Learning from a 'Learning Study' action research: Case analysis and reflections

This paper presents the research findings of a government funded “Learning Study” project on an EFL reading lesson in a Hong Kong secondary school completed in 2009. Learning study is a type of ‘lesson study’ developed in Hong Kong since 2000. It is the professional development process that a group of English teachers engage in collaboratively to examine systematically their classroom teaching practice, with the goal of becoming more effective and reflective. The Learning Study follows a set of professional procedures including identifying a worthwhile topic, planning, teaching, observing, and critiquing the lessons under study. Inspired by action research, this English learning study drew a group of Grade 8 English teachers together to study one particular English reading lesson in a scientific and evidence-based manner. The paper examines the English teachers’ professional development and students’ learning outcomes through the entire project. The research indicates that ‘Learning Study’ provides a comprehensive platform for English teacher professional development and has a long term impact on students’ competence of learning to learn.