Research - Case Studies - McKinley Elementary SchoolVideo Process
Reflections on the video interview process.
When we began thinking about an Action Research project, we did not consider videotaping as part of the process. However, after a few discussions with Dr. David Hyerle of Thinking Foundation, we realized that a video component would be a powerful addition to proving the influence of Thinking Maps® on teacher effectiveness.
The Thinking Maps above are on the video taping process, purpose, and reflections created in Thinking Maps® Technology for Learning software. Click on the above maps for a full size view as a PDF file.
We contracted with Robert Price to come to McKinley and assist with the videotaping and editing. He spent two full days videotaping teachers, students, and administrators. During the process we became increasingly aware of the power of video in education.
The students who held the cameras and participated as videographers were empowered in addition to being amazed by the fact that teachers reflected aloud on their own teaching in front of them. They thoroughly enjoyed the process and felt like active participants in the school culture. They were developing positive “assets” to nurture their own educational future.
The teachers were very hesitant to participate in the videotaping. They felt they would not be able to have a conversation about their teaching with another person while being videotaped. We, as researchers, also felt reluctant and very afraid of being watched on television. We were finally able to convince a few teachers to participate after much persuasion.
As a research team, we have concluded that videotaping is a vital component of a quality research product. Although the two days were exhausting, it was also exhilarating to observe how the process empowered the staff and administration during the videotaping. In our “next steps” we will further investigate the usefulness of this tool in teacher reflection, inquiry and best practices.
We are anticipating using the videoclips for further teacher reflection during grade level and staff meetings. In addition, the video clips will be a powerful tool to present McKinley School achievements to our community and the Franklin-McKinley School District Board of Education.
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