Universitas Riau (UNRI), through its Faculty of Teacher Training and Education (FKIP), held the 16th International Conference of Lesson Study (ICLS) on Monday, September 15, 2025. Dr. Ir. Sofyan Husein Siregar, M.Phil., Vice Rector for Planning, Cooperation, and Information Systems, officially opened the conference on behalf of the Rector. The event aimed to strengthen UNRI’s international networks and examine lesson study as an approach to improving education in the digital era.
The conference theme was “Transforming Education through Lesson Study: Building Sustainable Learning Communities in the Digital Era.” In his opening remarks, Dr. Sofyan emphasized its relevance to changes in society and technology that affect teaching and learning. He called for innovation and collaboration to develop sustainable learning and described lesson study as an approach that can improve educational quality and support lasting learning communities.
The conference provided an opportunity for academics and education practitioners from different countries to discuss their work, exchange experience, and develop more effective approaches to education through lesson study. Dr. Sofyan also reaffirmed UNRI’s commitment to international cooperation that strengthens the capabilities of lecturers and students.
International speakers included Prof. Carl Winslow from Denmark; Prof. Manabu Sato of Gakushuin University, Japan; Naomi Takasawa and Rie from Japan; and Dr. Muhammad Syawal Amran from Malaysia. Indonesian contributors included Arif Hidayat, M.Si., Ph.D.Ed.; Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Asep Supriatna, M.Si.; and Sumar Hendayana, Ph.D., academics from Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia (UPI). They shared experience of developing and applying lesson study in Indonesia.
Hundreds of academics, students, and education practitioners from Indonesian universities took part, alongside international participants, including those from Malaysia and other countries. The forum enabled participants to share research, experience, and good practice in lesson study.
Discussions covered curriculum development based on lesson study and the challenges of implementation in different countries. Participants also learned from international experience, including examples of lesson study used to improve education in schools.
The conference offered UNRI an opportunity to strengthen academic networks with universities and educational institutions overseas. Through these partnerships, the university sought to develop more innovative teaching and learning and help lecturers and students respond to global challenges. Dr. Sofyan expressed the hope that international cooperation would bring effective educational approaches to UNRI and Indonesia, improve the learning environment, and keep university education relevant to changing circumstances.
The report identified limited resources and uneven understanding of lesson study among teachers and educators as challenges in Indonesia. UNRI hoped that the conference would broaden awareness of the approach and support training to help educators implement it more effectively.
In the discussions, Prof. Asep Supriatna described lesson study as collaboration among teachers to develop more effective teaching, with a focus on improving students’ understanding. He explained that teachers participate actively in planning, implementing, and evaluating lessons, allowing them to learn from one another and develop their teaching skills together.
The report presented the conference as part of UNRI’s continuing commitment to educational quality through international collaboration. Participation in international academic forums was intended to support education that is more inclusive, sustainable, and responsive to technology and global challenges. Through lesson study, UNRI aimed to strengthen lasting learning communities relevant to contemporary needs and contribute to educational improvement in Indonesia and internationally.
Report: Universitas Riau (unri.ac.id) and Kumparan.
