Posted by:
Amy Penniman
K-12 Classroom teacher
Bryantville, MA

Topic:
Professional Development

Message:
One way in which to aid classroom teachers in modeling behaviors which they have encountered in the realm of professional development can be the personal use of videotaped instructional settings. Following the establishing of professional goals to work on, I have found this to be helpful with my own teaching. It gives me an impartial way of monitoring my own instructional behaviors. If, for instance, I see a need to foster social skills within cooperative learning groups, I can view my own sessions and make needed adjustments. This is a valuable tool, because many teachers conduct the majority of the school day as the only adult in the classroom -- with no constructive criticism from trusted professionals/colleagues. Note, however, that care must be taken that such an intervention does not become anything more than a tool for self-evaluation and growth.

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