Sample Protocol for Video Analysis

Guiding students to analyze example videos and videos of their own and peers’ practice using protocols brings clarity to the elements of video analysis and seeing. Below is one example of a video analysis protocol. After watching a video, students are guided to make observations and interpretations that are explicitly tied to the focus. They are guided to frame this in terms of both strengths and areas for improvement, defined as an alternative idea of what they could have done differently.

Choosing a specific shared focus impacts what gets observed and how it is interpreted and gives freedom to let many other possible observations and interpretations go.

Helping students emphasize both strengths and areas for improvement is grounded in an adult learning perspective, guiding students to focus on strengths first and adopting a strengths-based approach. Guiding students to set goals for ongoing learning is also grounded in an adult learning perspective, supporting students’ sense of self-efficacy and motivation.

Content Focus: Reading Comprehension [Focus]

Plan (if video of self) (Knowing)

Summarize your intended plan, including the child’s name, age, specific child learning outcome with the source listed, the rationale for focusing on this outcome with this child given what you know about the child, and how you intended to implement the strategy.

Strengths (Knowing)

Describe at least two specific time-stamped observations [Observe] of interactions between you and a child that were successful moments. Interpret those observations [Interpret], explaining why you were successful based on the focus of this lesson.

Alternative Ideas

Describe at least 1 specific alternative idea [Plan & Act], grounded in observations, that you could have enacted at a particular time-stamped moment in order to have better supported a child. Why do you think it would have had a more positive impact on that child's learning, based on the focus of this lesson?

Goals

In light of your reflection, describe at least one goal you have for yourself to continue to improve, both in your everyday interactions with children and in your final video for this course.