Video and coaching

This year the coaches I work with in Kansas and Oregon are experimenting with video to support a variety of approaches to coaching.  In most cases, the coaches use Flip Cameras, iphone3Gs, or other micro cameras. These cameras are used to (a) record teachers as they try out new practices so that the video can be used for coaching conversations, (b) record model lessons that can be downloaded right onto a teacher's computer so they can review them when they wish, (c) record coaches, who then watch their coaching practices to see how they can improve.  

My friends and colleague are using video in other innovative ways.  Jean Clark in Maryland has coached teachers to record themselves teaching and then to edit the video using iMovie to create clips showing a good teaching practice and a teaching practice that could improve. The teachers then share the clips in PLCs and everyone constructively discusses what they see. Jean has found that teachers find it to be extremely powerful to edit their own video--the multiple reviews of the video, she says, are highly informative.

Lynn Fuller, an instructional technology coach, uses the iSight video camera on her Powerbook to record herself during facilitation sessions.  She just opens up her laptop, turns on the camera, and records away. Lynn says she finds reviewing the recording to be extremely educational, and she now records herself all of the time.

Watching yourself is a revelation, and it is not for the faint of heart.  Having watched myself way too much recently, during my workshops, I now know I need to diet and maybe tuck my shirt in a little better.   But watching yourself, aside for challenging your vanity, reveals information that you have no idea about until you see it. I now know that I could do a better job of providing advance organizers during, and I'm going to be working on that starting tomorrow. In fact I'm going to ask someone to tape me tomorrow, so I can see how I do. 

Comments

[Lea Molczan]

As one of the OR coaches using the Flip Cameras, I have to say that I really enjoy the process. So far the only drawback is that the kids can get a little goofy and try to show-off for the camera. However, I think the more that we use them in the classroom, the less this will be an issue.

[Jim Knight]

That's great feedback Lea. I wonder if the Fip is more or less of a problem.

[Jennifer Thoma]

We have found that if you leave the camera off at the beginning of the lesson, make a big deal of it and have the kiddos wave and say "Hi, mom!" and then tell them to ignore it, they do just fine. And you're right, Lea. They do get used to it and the novelty wears off.

We have started to use the flips in recording our "coaching triads" to help each other think through the coaching process. One coach models a lesson and tapes it. Another coach gives feedback and questions the "teacher" (this is taped as well). Then a third coach "coaches the coach." It's been a very powerful tool!

[Lea Molczan]

Great idea, Jennifer! I used the camera again today with a different group of kids and they did really well with it. I definitely think they'd forget about it if we used them more often.

I also love the idea of the coaching triads!

[Kim Watchorn]

Of note: Flips & other pocket cams are really useful, but people shouldn't feel that they have to resist the use of a digital camera (that uses a tape or some other storage use). While the plug 'n' play provides ease of use, for long-term filming, a "proper" camera could/should be used. I think videos can offer so many possibilities. Holding artifacts in a digital way is great, but even the data collection advantage is so apparent. Video has been recommended for research studies (to get an accurate picture), and that's what coaches need. The video allows for neutrality. A lack of judgment. It's a real data collection tool that can "give an accurate picture" of what's taking place. I really liked the idea of using a laptop - just opening it up and filming. An efficient way to coach is also to upload videos that are staff development pieces. When coaches can't model or would just like to do a demo., videos (or even SCREENCASTING) can be very helpful as tutorials of strategies or protocols.

[Dara Feldman]

I have found the use of video as a tool for reflection to be extremely powerful!

George Foreman has been using a technique called Instant Video Revisiting (IVR) with young children for many years. Basically, he videos a child engaged in learning and then video tapes the child again as the child is watching themselves on the first video and seeing themselves engaged as a learner.

Here is an article about IVR. http://ecrp.uiuc.edu/v1n2/forman.html

I believe using video with teachers in this manner could greatly enhance the reflection process.

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