Overview
As an Academic Coach at a Colorado elementary school, using digital video (DV) to film teachers during instruction has been an invaluable tool in improving teacher practice. On this site, you'll find some ideas for conducting your own coaching cycles using DV and some of the forms that I use.
Benefits of Using Digital Video:
-Recording device can be aimed at teacher or students, depending on the teacher's goals and comfort level being video taped. Even better, use two cameras so that teachers can see their teaching and their students at the same time.
-When using video on an on-going basis, teachers can view their instructional growth. Additionally, teachers can witness the growth of their students.
-Teachers can watch students during independent and collaborative work. Many teachers have commented that they wonder what students discuss without their direct supervision.
-Depending on a teacher's comfort level and the degree of coaching needed, a teacher may view the recorded lesson on his or her own time. Another option is for a coach, colleague or administrator to watch the video with the teacher. Each person may notice different things.
-After viewing their recorded lesson, a teacher can develop his or her own professional development goals. This allows for greater buy-in and investment from the teacher.
-The teacher may view the video multiple times, through various lenses. For example, an observation may focus on teacher's questioning, student engagement, or teacher talk vs. student talk.
-When using video on an on-going basis, teachers can view their instructional growth. Additionally, teachers can witness the growth of their students.
-Teachers can watch students during independent and collaborative work. Many teachers have commented that they wonder what students discuss without their direct supervision.
-Depending on a teacher's comfort level and the degree of coaching needed, a teacher may view the recorded lesson on his or her own time. Another option is for a coach, colleague or administrator to watch the video with the teacher. Each person may notice different things.
-After viewing their recorded lesson, a teacher can develop his or her own professional development goals. This allows for greater buy-in and investment from the teacher.
-The teacher may view the video multiple times, through various lenses. For example, an observation may focus on teacher's questioning, student engagement, or teacher talk vs. student talk.
Coaching Cycles
Pre-Conference: Teacher and coach meet to discuss lesson (learning objectives, teaching to mastery, effective instructional practices, etc.) Determine teacher’s goal and focus; will camera be on students, teacher, or both (multiple cameras)?
Observation: Digitally recorded video of lesson
Post-Observation Conference: Teacher and coach observe digital video together. Teacher uses an observation protocol. Teacher and coach work together to create Coaching Plan for the year. If the teacher is uncomfortable watching the video with a colleague or administrator, he or she can also view it alone.
Observation: Digitally recorded video of lesson
Post-Observation Conference: Teacher and coach observe digital video together. Teacher uses an observation protocol. Teacher and coach work together to create Coaching Plan for the year. If the teacher is uncomfortable watching the video with a colleague or administrator, he or she can also view it alone.
Getting Started:
You can use any device to record a lesson: phone, digital camera, video camera, iTouch, etc. Although it's nice to have a small tripod to improve the quality, it is not necessary. For videoing students, a fish eye lens (such as those on a Go Pro camera) is a great tool.
Next Steps:
There are so many ways to support teachers using digital video. With teacher's permission, I was able to create a video montage of great instructional tools being used in our school. I've been able to share videos at meetings and other events as a celebration of our amazing teachers. I've also put clips together to support teachers in their goals. For example, when a teacher is trying to improve his questioning, I tape other teachers using various strategies. This is also a great tool to educate parents in supporting their child at home.
Considerations
Using digital video in this context is strictly for professional development purposes. If you decide to use digital video, be sure to check your school or institution policy on filming teachers and students.