Best Practices for Filming a Teaching Lesson for EdTPA

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Filming an effective EdTPA teaching lesson requires careful planning to ensure the lesson is well-documented, and your teaching practices are clearly visible. Below are some best practices to keep in mind when filming your lesson:

3.1 Plan the Recording in Advance

  • Select a segment of your lesson that best demonstrates your teaching practices and aligns with the EdTPA criteria.
  • Discuss with your students beforehand that the lesson will be recorded so they are aware and comfortable being on camera.

3.2 Position the Camera Strategically

Ensure the camera is positioned in a way that clearly shows both you and the students during key moments of the lesson. The camera should capture:

  • Your interactions with students, such as questioning or providing feedback.
  • The students’ engagement with the content, whether they are answering questions, participating in discussions, or working in groups.

3.3 Keep the Lesson Focused

Avoid long, unnecessary pauses or off-topic discussions. Keep the lesson focused on key objectives and teaching moments, such as:

  • Delivering new content.
  • Engaging students in learning activities.
  • Providing feedback or addressing questions.

3.4 Ensure Proper Lighting and Sound

Good lighting is essential to ensure that you and your students are clearly visible. Also, check that the audio quality is clear so that your words and student responses are easily heard. You may need to:

  • Use a microphone if available, especially if you have a large class.
  • Adjust the lighting to ensure there are no shadows or dark spots.

Published by Lisa