Problem identification Problem formulation

lesson study consists of the three phases activities of lesson study: Plan, Do, and See.

B. Problem identification

Most teachers are concerned about their professional development, although they do it as the positive impacts of certification program from the government. Because of the certification program there are large numbers of teachers attending various professional development programs, such as continuing their study to S1, S2, or S3, attending conferences, taking part in seminars, workshops and short courses. The positive impacts of what have been done by the teachers are that the teachers have better knowledge, skills and experience which isneeded to the improvement of their classroom practice and learning experience of their students. Teachers need to update their knowledge and skills to be able to implement the new curriculum. Based on the new curriculum teachers should be able to design the lesson plan which will be implemented in the classroom.After the implementation of the lesson plan in the classroom teachers should evaluate whether the lesson plan is good or not on achieving the goals in the curricullum. Can teachers understand every new curriculum by themselves? From the background above there are some problems identified. There are how teachers update their professionalism, how teachers develop their competencies, how teachers improve their knowledge and skills, what teachers do to keep up with the development of technology and science, and how teachers develop their professionalism.

C. Problem formulation

According to Guskey 2000, professional development is process and activities designed to enhance the professional knowledge, skills, and attitudes of educators. “Development generally refers to general growth not focused on a specific job” Richards and Farrel 2005: 4 Lesson study basically involves a group of teachers who do the planning, implementation, and post-learning reflection together to form a synergistic learning community. Teachers are working collaboratively. First, they analyze the problem of learning, both from the aspect of teaching materials and teaching methods. Furthermore, the teachers also collaboratively find solutions and design student-centered learning. The next step is to apply the lesson plan in class by a teacher, the others are as observers of student activities, and then it is followed by a discussion after the lesson to reflect on it. This research will specifically address a research question “How do English teachers develop their professionalism through lesson study?”

D. Research Objectives