Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to show, from a theoretical point of view, the promising relationship between the processes generated by Lesson Studies (LS) and the development of practical thinking in in-service teacher training, derived from two pieces of research. Design/methodology/approach – The authors propose broadening the focus of LS in order to not only improve the “lesson” or “teaching” – in short, practice – but also to reconstruct and improve the practical knowledge of teachers. The core issue of the paper is the discussion about the relationship between the practical knowledge, the knowledge that every teacher uses in his or her daily practice, theories-in-use, mostly unconscious, and the conscious and explicit knowledge, practical thinking, explicit theory, they use to describe and justify their practice. Findings – Knowing our practical knowledge intuitive Gestalt, and building a new conscious and informed way of thinking is not enough, we need to build through systematic new practice a new way of doing, a new way of perceiving, interpreting, taking decisions and acting, coherent with our new theories. LS reinforces these two complementary movements: the practical theorizing movement, the reflexion on action to discover the implicit believes, habits, attitudes and emotions underlying the practice, and the experimentation of the new theory to form the new habits, beliefs, attitudes and emotions that support the development of a new form of teaching. This second movement needs more time and adequate teaching context, confirming the long spiral cycle of LS. Originality/value – With emphasis on the dialectical relationship between practical theorizing and the experimentation of theory, this paper could set out a new approach for LSs as a method of teacher training which can improve practice through the reconstruction of the practical thinking of those involved.

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RESuMENEste artículo, pretende reflejar las reflexiones, experiencias e investigaciones de un grupo de investigación de la Universidad de Málaga en relación con las Lesson Study (LS): un proceso de investigación y acción cooperativa. Una forma de enseñar a ser docente en la formación inicial y permanente.Una de nuestras líneas de investigación se ha centrado en abordar los conceptos y dilemas involucrados en la formación del pensamiento práctico de los docentes, así como en los complejos procesos de reconstrucción del mismo. En esta última década las LS nos han ayudado a entender que: (1) El conocimiento de los docentes debe considerarse, de forma más amplia, como una combinación activa de conocimientos, habilidades, actitudes, emociones, creencias y valores: denominado como Nuevos retos en la formación del profesorado. Lesson Study: acompañar la enseñanza y la investigación *

El presente artículo recoge algunas de las consideraciones que, sobre el marco de PISA (Programa para la Evaluación Internacional del Alumnado) de la OCDE, han sido objeto de análisis por parte del Grupo de Investigación HUM-311 de la Universidad de Málaga en el Proyecto I+D SEJ-2007-66967, dirigido por el profesor D. Ángel I. Pérez Gómez. En el desarrollo de dicha revisión, se abordó la temática de las competencias básicas como un mecanismo potencial para el desarrollo de las capacidades útiles para la vida de los individuos en la Sociedad del Conocimiento, específicamente competencias de segundo orden recogidas genéricamente en el constructo Aprender cómo Aprender. Se abordan estos análisis, sometiendo a discusión los aspectos más problemáticos.

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to incorporate Lesson Study (LS) from initial teacher training as a privileged area in which to accompany and tutor future teachers in the complex but necessary scenario of reflective practice in cooperative processes. Design/methodology/approach – This paper presents an innovative educational experience in the university context, incorporating Lesson Study as a strategy for research and improvement of teaching practice, and, in consequence, for students’ learning, in two key subjects in the syllabus: Practicum III and Degree Essay. Findings – A process, positively reviewed by all agents involved, which has shown the need for the reconstruction of the practical knowledge of participating students. Originality/value – This is the first experience in the Spanish university context where LS is introduced as one of the key areas of initial teacher training. The paper presents a work model which may inspire the introduction of Lesson Study as an initial training model during practical training.