Learning Study

Learning Study is a collaborative, action-research approach to improve the effectiveness ofstudent learning by enhancing the professional competence of teachers. This is achieved through thecollaborative construction of the pedagogical content knowledge enabling them better to teach specificobjects of learning. Through inquiry and authentic learning by the teachers, it takes account ofstudents’ prior knowledge in the lesson planning and so creates an authentic learning environment forthe students. This paper explains how the Learning Study approach relates to the set of approachesknown as “Lesson Study” and how it incorporates the principles for high quality learning proposed bythe OECD project on Innovative Learning Environments (ILE) in its design and implementation. Itexamines how Learning Study helps to integrate the factors comprising innovative learningenvironments. It analyses the critical conditions that support its development and practice in schoolsand in professional learning networks and education systems in general.