Video Self-Analysis-T.Harris

The lesson I chose to record was a follow up lesson to several Force and Motion labs and lessons.  The beginning of the lesson began with a short review of the forces we had studied during the week.   Students had the vocabulary words on cards and were asked to hold up the vocabulary word that fits the description I gave to them.  After the activating game, we then oved to the Plan stage of the Engineering Design Process.  Students were moved to their groups to decide which amusement park ride they would create.  Then, students used the consensus protocol to draw out their design.

                When first watching the videos, I was stuck on the unimportant things.   I immediately thought to myself, “why do you wear your hair like that” or “why is your sweater jacked up and no on offered to tell you?” I became fixated on my hands and how I used them to help me to explain things and held them weird while talking.    And then there were the frequently used words like “alright,” “aight,” and “and then.” I purposely watched the video several times to catch something different.  I began to think about things that affect my classroom and instruction.  One thing I noticed in this particular lesson is my proximity to the students.  I stood at the front of the classroom and did not pace much throughout the room.  My desks were arranged in rows, which may be a reason why I chose to stay confined in one area of the room.  There were typical classroom management issues that probably could be resolved with more pacing in the room.  I also realized that I didn’t give students enough practice when we were reviewing.  I only presented students with 6 descriptions (almost one per vocabulary word).  This was due to time constraints.  I knew what I had planned for the lesson, but I only had a certain amount of time to complete the entire lesson.  Another important thing I noticed that is relevant to my classroom and instruction is I called on the boys more than the girls.  I would address the male students that were off task even when there were girls off task as well.  The males in my class tend to be more unfocused and somewhat rambunctious so I think I focused more on them when doing the lesson even though the females were off task.  Finally, an important thing I noticed was the confusion some students experienced when asked to move to their science groups.  Some students were unclear of their set group for this PBL because we had to do some flexible grouping during “special” occasions. 

                This exercise was very beneficial because I was able to see things that I wouldn’t normally pay attention to.  I was able to think about my instruction all the time and make myself aware of things that I normally wouldn’t pay attention to.  One way I want to improve my classroom and instruction is to make sure I am pacing the room, but also include the instructions that I am giving on the board to reach both my auditory and visual learners.  While pacing the room, I will try to pay close attention to all students not just students who are typically are off task.  I could use a system to randomly choose the names of the students.  The student that is chosen could then answer and explain their thinking.  Another improvement I could make is making sure to give clear and concise information.  Students names can be posted to eliminate their confusion throughout the unit.  This reference would be good for the students who accidentally forget.  I think I could also give students more examples to practice with for the review game.  Due to time, I shorted the student’s review which is relevant to their learning.  So, maybe starting my review the few minutes we have to wait before our recess time, then finishing after recess could possible give me enough time to thoroughly review.  The video self-analysis was an excellent activity for teachers who have been in the classroom a number of years.  It gives the teacher a perspective that they would have never realized without this exercise.  I would be interested to video tape myself during other lessons just to give myself critique.