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video observations

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    We are due to undergo a cycle of observations by an LEA Advisor because our SAT results were low. This includes a video taped lesson observation. Several of my colleagues, myself included are uncomfortable with this method of observation. Can we refuse? Has anyone else been through this situation?
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    One school I worked in, the H/T wanted to video lessons but staff witheld their permission to be filmed and the plan was shelved.

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    I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing. I suppose it depends very much on the confidence you have in your leadership, beforehand. I always used to use it a lot: with trainee teachers it was helpful to be able to show them what they had done well and focus in on areas in which they needed to improve. It meant we could watch sections again and again if looking to develop something like questioning or the management of a difficult behavioural issue. Experienced teachers were happy to be filmed to be included in a database of resources so that colleagues wishing to develop a particular skill could access a film on the intranet. Staff were really chuffed to be asked if the film of their lesson could be added to the database.
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    During training last year my menor suggested this; I wasn't happy about it because I hate being filmed, especially if it's filmed being me and not acting!

    Watching it back was excruciating, but during the lesson I barely noticed. In the end it was actually really helpful, like Gardening Leaves says. I can see, though, how it might be different as an experienced practitioner. All I would say from my experience is, it's not as bad as you think it's going to be!

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    In some ways I think it should actually be compulsory to be videoed once in a while! What better way to realise how you actually come across (and sound) to the kids! Normally less favourably than you think!!! (or is that just me?)

     

    I consented to be videoed once for after school training purposes and didn;t mind.

     

    However I can understand that some people feel uncomfortable with it and there should be ability to refuse.

     

    Surely another issue is child protection etc because in videoing you are taking images of children, so whoeever is doing the videoing needs to be careful. And I can't see most kids enjoying being filmed (which, surely, they are if the questioning/response is being filmed.) - they may act differently because they know they are being filmed.  

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