Do you remember your college course where they forced you to record yourself teaching? I remember pointing out all of the umm, ands, and other various habits that had found their way into my teaching. My verbal skills were not nearly where I would like them to be. At the time, prior to that video, I thought I was pretty top notch, but afterwards I was sitting a bit lower in my chair due to embarrassment.
Like most of you, I didn't just want to be a classroom teacher. I wanted to be THAT TEACHER! I simply needed to improve and I found myself taking the profession and my classes much more seriously. In my first year on the job at Meridian High we also videotaped ourselves...again, not where I would like to be, but a remarkable improvement.
As I prepared for an observation from my vice principal that year, I videotaped myself again. Not required, but something I thought that could possibly help as I prepared for that formal observation. What did I notice? I had great movement around the classroom, hit every student with my movement and did a nice job of ensuring that everyone did everything, but my wait time on questions was atrocious. I would ask the question and then often wait maybe a couple seconds and then just answer it myself. The kids knew just to wait a couple seconds because I would just give them the answer.
There is absolutely no doubt that watching that video improved my teaching. In my post observation conference some time later I recall the observer identifying my wait time as a strength. That would not have happened were it not for that video. That video helped my teaching and ultimately my students.
In a recent post by Ben Gilpin, Principal he noted the following:
"Recently I thought about the value of watching yourself. A few things came to mind.
Think of all the professionals that record in some way.
- Athletes
- Entertainers
- Musicians
- Law Enforcement
- Actors/Actresses
- Pilots
- Doctors (operating room)
- Trainers
- Speakers
What are your metaperceptions? How do you see yourself?
Why record yourself? In many cases it is to give a different viewpoint, help yourself improve and analyze strengths and weaknesses. The bottom line, watching yourself on camera is another opportunity to reflect.
Before you dismiss the thought of recording yourself, I ask you this, do you want to improve? Do you strive to be better each day? If the answer is yes, then I hope you'll be open minded to trying something new." (B. Gilpin p. 1, 2015).
Post inspired and quoted from B. Gilpin, The Colorful Principal
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Thank you (4min)
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