Though professional development is always at the forefront of most school leaders’ minds, it’s hard to know what efforts will actually make the biggest impact on student achievement. But new research cited by Michelle Davis in Education Week suggests that using video and receiving feedback from an expert coach leads to significant growth. Teachers who participated in the study were reported to have said video-based training was "the most transformational form of professional development they've ever received."
We aren’t surprised! Our work with ADVANCEfeedback™ (our new observation and feedback platform) and latest project with Algebra teachers in Newton County, GA have established the power of video in the classroom, and allowed school leaders to use observation and feedback to drive the most meaningful, transformational professional development.
It’s a common practice for athletes to film themselves to see what their coaches see and identify strengths and weaknesses. Why not do the same in schools? Videos can establish the common reference point needed for teachers to accept feedback and grow, while avoiding that “gotcha” feeling often associated with observation.
Because we know teachers have the greatest impact on student achievement, feedback and high-quality professional development are paramount. As research continues to confirm, cameras in the classroom make it possible for school leaders and coaches to provide the specific support that increases teacher effectiveness, and ultimately, student achievement.