Videotaping for NB

Everyone who goes through the NB process must record and submit two videos (one for Take One! candidates).  I hated videotaping myself as both an initial and renewal candidate.  I just knew I was skinnier, my hair was less grey, and my voice was less annoying than it appeared in the video!  Once you get past these types of thoughts you will find the videotaping process to be extremely beneficial.  In this blog I want to give some hints and suggestions that may help you.  Please feel free to send your questions to me at hallmanj@cerra.org or post them below.  Good luck!

• Make sure you have a signed NB Student Release form and a signed NB Adult Release form (think assistants, student teachers) for every person who appears in your video.
• Use a separate microphone, especially when you are working with small groups.
• Position the video camera on the side of your classroom and use the wide angle lens so that you can "see" as many students as possible.  It is not necessary for every student to be visible in the video.
• If you are having someone record for you, ask them to wear headphones.  This way they can hear exactly what is being recorded.  There is nothing worse than a great video with no sound!
• Practice videotaping but always adhere to the NB standards.  You never know - your practice video may become the video you decide to submit.  Also, the NB standards should become a part of who you are as a teacher.  We don't do these things just to certify.  
• Your video does not have to be the first 15 minutes of your lesson.  You should select the 15 minutes (or whatever amount of time your certificate requires) that best showcases your teaching.  
• The first 3-5 minutes of a new tape are always less clear than the remainder of the tape. 
• Tell the office you are recording and place a sign on your door so you are not interrupted.  
• It takes your camera about 5 seconds to start recording after you hit the record button.
• Analyze your videotapes!  Begin by watching the tape without sound.  What does your class look like?  Then listen to the tape without watching the screen.  What does your class sound like?  Finally, use both senses and watch and listen to the tape.  Use the Evaluation of Evidence Guide for your certificate and the entry you are working on to help you analyze the video.  The Evaluation of Evidence Guide is available at  http://www.nbpts.org/for_candidates/scoring.  You should also refer to the questions related to analyzing videos which are listed in the general portfolio instructions  http://www.nbpts.org/for_candidates/the_portfolio.

Your videos are important because they allow NB to see the interaction that occurs between you and your students and between students.  It also gives them a view of how you engage students in their learning and the climate in your classroom.  Your analysis of the video is just as important.