The World Association of Lesson Studies aims to advance research and practices focused on Lesson and Learning Studies to improve teaching and learning quality. Lesson and Learning Studies involve teachers collaboratively planning, observing, analyzing and improving lessons in an iterative process, with the goal of enhancing student learning. The 9th Annual WALS International Conference will be held in September 2013 at the University of Gothenburg in Sweden, marking the first time the conference is being held outside of Asia.

1. The aim of World Association of Lesson Studies (WALS) is to promote and advance the research and practices
focused on Lesson and Learning Studies in order to improve the quality of teaching and learning. Lesson and
Learning Study is a teaching improvement process and a tool for professional learning which is practiced in many
countries around the world. WALS annual conferences are open to researchers, school leaders and teachers to
share their experience and practice of Lesson and Learning Studies. Lesson Study (or kenkyu jugyo) has its origins in
Japanese elementary education, where it is a common model for professional development. Teachers in small
groups discuss learning goals, plan lessons, observe, analyses and share their findings with other teachers. It is an
iterative process and the results of the first lesson are the starting point for the improvements of design in the
second lesson and so on. Learning Study is a kind of Lesson Study, with strong focus on the content and based on a
theoretical framework about learning. Lesson and Learning Study are also used as methods for researcher, in the
field of action research and in collaboration with teams of teachers, to further study learning in practice. WALS will
host its 9th Annual International Conference at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden, in September 6-9, 2013. This
is the first time the conference will be held outside Asia. It is a great honour to invite delegates from all around the
world to Europe, to further develop Lesson and Learning Study as teacher research. See more information at
www.walsnet.org
Associate Professor Mona Holmqvist Olander, Chairperson
WALS 2013 Organizing Committee
University of Gothenburg, Sweden
IMPORTANT DATES
1 March 2013
Strict deadline for submission of proposals and
abstracts
12 April 2013
Notification of acceptance/rejection
The ‘Early Bird’ registration starts
14 June 2013
Deadline for the ‘Early Bird’ registration and payment
31 July 2013
Final deadline for registration and payment
15 August 2013
Publication of the online program