Mathematical and Emotional Foundations for Lesson Study in Mathematics

Lesson study involves planning and revising a sequence of lessons collaboratively to encourage learners to construct their own understandings based on a carefully guided sequence of activities. Here we consider the nature of mathematics that makes it significantly different from other forms of knowledge and the ways in which its developing structure involves both building on solid foundations and also attending to new situations that require a rethinking of previous ideas. The emotions generated by these activities play a significant role in the long-term development of mathematical thinking. On the one hand, if the ideas do not make sense, the child can suffer the debilitating effects of mathematical anxiety, on the other, if the child is encouraged to make flexible links between ideas then this may lead to a deeper realization of the sophistication and aesthetic beauty of mathematics. Lesson study can play a vital role in enabling learners to build flexible mathematical thinking with a profound sense of insight and pleasure.