Collaborative Lesson Planning Practices as Part of Lesson Study-Based Supervision in Selected Public Primary Schools in Bagamoyo

This study explored collaborative lesson planning practices as part of lesson study-based supervision in selected public primary schools in Bagamoyo District, Tanzania. The study was guided by Social Constructivist Theory and employed a qualitative case study design, with Bagamoyo District as the bounded case and four selected public primary schools as embedded units of analysis. A total of 34 participants, comprising 28 classroom teachers, four head teachers, and two Ward Education Officers, were purposively selected. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and document analysis and were analysed thematically. The findings revealed that collaborative lesson planning was widely practiced in the selected schools through joint preparation of lesson plans, discussion of learning objectives and teaching strategies, development of teaching aids, and sharing of instructional knowledge and resources. Teachers reported that these practices enhanced professional learning, teaching confidence, pedagogical knowledge, and collective problem-solving. However, the implementation of collaborative lesson planning was constrained by heavy teaching workloads, limited time, inadequate instructional resources, and competing administrative responsibilities. The study concludes that collaborative lesson planning constitutes an important foundation of lesson study-based supervision and provides teachers with opportunities for continuous professional learning and improvement of instructional practice. The study recommends that school leaders and education authorities allocate adequate time and resources for collaborative lesson planning, strengthen institutional support, and minimise competing responsibilities that interfere with regular lesson study activities