A new approach to the professional development of RCMK teacher candidates: a lesson study model

Purpose This study aims to examine the effects of the lesson study model on the professional development of religious culture and moral knowledge (RCMK) teacher candidates and the learning outcomes of their students. Design/methodology/approach Before starting the study, ethics review board clearance (numbered 06.03.2025–186257) was obtained from Mus Alparslan University’s ethics review board. Adopting a mixed-method, quasi-experimental design, the study was conducted with 5th-grade students assigned to experiment and control groups, with pre- and post-tests administered to measure learning gains. Additionally, qualitative data were collected from participating teacher candidates through semi-structured interviews during the LS cycle. Findings Findings indicate that lesson study significantly enhanced student achievement while also contributing to teacher candidates’ instructional skills, understanding of student needs, and development of effective teaching strategies. Research limitations/implications This study is limited to information obtained from 20 students in 5th-grade, middle school and RCMK teacher candidates. Therefore, further studies could be conducted on what kind of outcomes would emerge among students in other grades or teacher candidates in different fields. The information is limited to the data provided by the data collection tools (structured interview form and achievement tests) prepared by the researchers. New information may be presented by other researchers using different data collection tools on the subject. Practical implications To achieve the desired success in lesson study, teachers who apply this model must possess the ability to work together, have acquired a culture of criticism and tolerance and be sensitive to student uniqueness. Originality/value The study highlights the potential of LS as a powerful model for improving both RCMK teacher candidates and student outcomes in religious education.