Needed skills and knowledge and challenges of the mathematics lesson study facilitator: a scoping systematic literature review

Purpose The aim of this article is to present a systematic literature review on the role of the facilitator in lesson studies in mathematics. The review identifies and synthesizes the facilitators’ needed skills and knowledge, analyzes the challenges they faced and suggests directions for future research. Design/methodology/approach This systematic literature review follows the PRISMA guidelines selecting studies from Scopus, Web of Science and ERIC database, using the keywords (“lesson study” OR “learning study”) AND (“facilitator” OR “facilitation” OR “teacher educator” OR “teacher of teacher”). Thirteen articles were identified as relevant to this study and subject to analysis regarding the two issues of interest. Findings This review identified six main themes regarding skills and knowledge that facilitators need to have, the most prominent being organizing sessions, planning the lesson study and promoting a collaborative environment. It also identified six main themes regarding the challenges faced by facilitators, including as most prominent managing logistical issues, promoting the involvement of teachers and leading discussions without dominating them. Practical implications This study has implications for the preparation of facilitators in mathematics lesson study and also, with the necessary adaptations, of facilitators in other school subjects. The results may also be used to monitor small and especially large-scale lesson study processes in which the quality of facilitation is an important condition of success. Originality/value In lesson studies carried out in Western countries, facilitator plays a pivotal role organizing and leading the entire process, as well as driving meaningful learning for teachers. While existing literature provides valuable insights, the knowledge about the preparation that facilitators need and the challenges that they face in their activity is still very fragmented. This article provides a complete and more comprehensive picture of these critical aspects.