Using Digital Videos to Evaluate Trainee Teachers Teaching Effectiveness at Balob Teachers College




Introduction

Balob Teachers College offers a two year Diploma in Teaching Primary program for both school leavers and non school leavers who wish to pursue their career in teaching at Primary Schools throughout Papua New Guinea. The College provides every opportunity for students to develop their skills in teaching and learning using wide range of resources which includes ICT tools.

   
Fig.1.0. Practice Teaching- Lanakapi Primary School, 2010

Using Traditional Approach to Evaluate Teaching Performances of Trainee Teachers.
The traditional approach refers to the use of lesson evaluation sheets in which the College Supervisor and the Classroom Teacher use to assess the College Students teaching performances. The single lesson evaluation form which consist of various teaching skills and are arranged according to the main parts of the lesson (Preparation, Introduction, Body and Conclusion). The main focus on this approach is the supervisor sitting at the back of the classroom with the evaluation sheet.The Supervisor uses Clinical Supervision which involves Pre-Conferencing and Post Conferencing sessions with the respective students.

The Professional Development Strand is responsible for the overall professional development programs at the College and coordinates the Practicum and the School Experience Programs for both first and second year students. Both of these programs provide opportunities for pre-service students to develop their teaching skills in an actual classroom environment.

The School Experience program uses two approaches. The first approach allows the students to prepare lessons and teach them in their peer groups. The students are evaluated by their own Colleagues and the College Supervisor. In the second approach students teach in an actual classroom in various schools in Lae at least once a week from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm. These lessons are evaluated by the College Supervisor and the Classroom Teachers.

The Block Teaching (Practice Teaching) component is conducted at the end of the Second Term (The College divides its Academic Calendar into 3 terms) which runs for four weeks. The College students are posted to various schools throughout Morobe and Madang provinces.

The main disadvantage of the traditional approach is that students do not have the opportunity to observe themselves and identify their own weaknesses for further improvement. The evaluation comments come from the College Supervisors only. The method involves the supervisor, the trainee teacher and the single lesson evaluation sheet.


 Using Digital Videos to Evaluate Teaching Performances of Trainee Teachers- An alternative approach.
The use of Digital Videos in Teacher Training has been around for sometime and fully utilized in other Teacher Training Institutions world wide. The advantages of using this ICT tool is huge and can assist trainee teachers to improve their teaching performances if it is fully utilized. Digital Video was first trialed in June 18, 2010 at Bowali Primary School, Lae during the School Experience program.

 A small digital video camera was used to record six  Balob students teaching various lessons. These students volunteered to participate in the program. The videos were edited in the evening and shown the following evening each week for the duration of the School Experience program. The videos were shown using a laptop computer, a data projector and the big screen. The students were given an evaluation sheet each to evaluate their colleague's teaching (See figure 1.0). The students were given time at the end of the video presentation to make comments about what they have observed. The trainee teachers involved in the video program were given every opportunity to make comments on their teaching. The students easily identified weaknesses in their teaching and were able to make improvements. The students involved in the program overwhelmingly enjoyed the experience and have indicated that they have learned alot by watching videos of their own teaching.

Conclusion
The benefits of using digital video in teacher training is huge and can have greater impact on the evaluation of trainee teachers teaching performances at Balob Teachers College. The main advantage of using digital video is that students will be able to watch their own teaching and will be able to easily identify their strengths and weaknesses. The videos can be stored in a safe place and can be used from time to time to train quality teachers for tomorrow.


Fig.2.0. Sample Peer Evaluation Sheet.
Instruction


Watch the video and analyze your friends teaching. Identify the strengths and weaknesses of the lesson.


The following questions will guide you.


1. Introduction- How did the teacher introduce the lesson?(Describe)


2. Presentation -How did the teacher present the lesson? (Describe)


3.Conclusion -Did the teacher conclude the lesson? If yes, describe what the teacher did.


4. Teaching Method- Did the teacher use child centered approach? (Please explain)


5. List down other areas that need further improvement.




Fig.3.0  Group Activity- Grade 3 Students.


Note: Keep checking this blog for the next article on "Integrating Digital Videos in Teaching and Learning.