What is the approach to CPD that most young
teachers find most useful?

It is no secret that many teachers (especially younger teachers) find the notion of being watched by colleagues somewhat difficult, and sometimes even disturbing.

But it is not that they don’t value the CPD that can spring from evaluation, or don’t appreciate the need for it. They do – just as they recognise that their teaching could always be improved.

They, like everyone else, want their students to get higher grades. However there is still that concern about “being watched.”

Fortunately there is another way around this, and it is a way that many schools are now adopting.

It involves the videoing of lessons within the classroom, but on the strict understanding that no one, other than the teacher concerned, is going to see the lesson.

Indeed the technique for some goes even further than this. The teacher has the video equipment in the room, but doesn’t even set the video to record for the opening two or three occasions, using the sessions to get both the teacher and the students used to there being equipment in the room.

Then, without telling those students, a lesson is recorded, but only for the teacher to watch.

Even then, in these restricted circumstances, some teachers find it hard to watch more than a few moments of themselves in action, and gradually have to get used to it, lesson by lesson.

(Incidentally, if this is not your experience, I would beg you not to dismiss this point – there are some people, no matter what their profession, who find watching themselves extremely difficult, even though they try to hide it.)

However once started down this route, most teachers are eventually happy to allow videos of themselves to be seen by others, and ultimately used in evidence presented to the inspectorate.

One of the most commonly used approaches in this regard is that of the Classwatch Video System through which lessons can be filmed, watched privately, reviewed, shared and discussed as and when desired.

To book a free lesson recording, email us at info@classwatch.co.uk with your name, your school name and a contact number.

Alternatively, for more information take a look at our website or call us on 0800 043 9510.

We look forward to hearing from you.