Class Videotaping

Why Use Videotaping?

The use of videotape recording and playback is particularly effective in enhancing instructional skills. Videotaped teaching sessions offer faculty or T.A.'s the opportunity to view themselves as their students see them. Videotaping short "practice" teaching sessions helps all instructors practice specific skills such as presenting information, leading discussion, and responding to student questions. Videotaping of entire class sessions provides feedback for more comprehensive instructional skill enhancement.

How is it Used?

An entire class session is videotaped for use in individual consultations. These videotapes can also be used in workshops in which the instructors show segments of their videotapes to a group of their peers and solicit feedback and suggestions. These small group workshops are particularly effective when used in conjunction with an ongoing program of instructional
development.

To Begin the Process

Faculty and TAs may videotape their own classes, or the Center can arrange for videotaping by appointment. If you videotape a class, contact the Center for Teaching Excellence for consultation upon completion of the videotaping. We will be happy to review your video with you and provide comments and suggestions on your teaching. If we videotape, we will arrange a meeting immediately for consultation with the instructor of the taped class.

Prior to your meeting with the Center for Teaching Excellence, you are asked to review your tape, and provide the following written comments:

1. Provide an overall gestalt reaction to your teaching. What did you notice?
2. What do you think you did well? Provide specific examples to back up your claim.
3. In what ways could you improve? Again, provide specific example to support your claim.