Bansho is esteemed as a specialised skill and knowledge set among educators in Japan, playing a pivotal role in lesson study— a collaboration-based and teacher-driven approach to continuous professional development. Delving into bansho requires intentional planning, where teachers must comprehend the teaching material and lesson content and anticipate student responses. In essence, organising bansho beforehand (bansho keikaku) involves continuous decision-making, discerning “what to keep and what to toss” on the board. This reflective practice cultivates teachers’ awareness of their teaching methods, fostering an ongoing refinement of instructional strategies.
Bansho also serves as a tool for both individual self-reflection and collaborative improvement. Teachers meticulously maintain bansho records, acting as a journal for reflecting on instructional practices, revisiting lessons, and identifying areas for enhancement. Beyond individual reflection, sharing bansho records (e.g. BANSHOT application) creates opportunities for constructive feedback and collaborative learning among colleagues, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in teaching practices.