How to Teach and Reflect in an EdTPA Teaching Video
Teaching and reflecting in an EdTPA teaching video requires not just demonstrating your teaching skills but also engaging in a thoughtful analysis of your instructional practices. The video serves as both a performance and a reflection.
2.1 Demonstrating Instructional Skills
During the video, focus on:
- Clear and effective instruction: Use a mix of verbal, visual, and physical teaching methods to engage students.
- Active student participation: Encourage students to ask questions, provide answers, and participate in activities.
- Use of feedback: Give immediate, constructive feedback to students during the lesson. Highlight how you adjust your teaching based on student responses.
The video should showcase how well you manage the classroom and support diverse learning styles by using different instructional methods (e.g., group work, individual tasks, demonstrations).
2.2 Self-Reflection During the Lesson
Incorporating reflection during the lesson helps highlight your self-awareness as an educator:
- Consider briefly reflecting in the moment by voicing your thoughts on what you see happening with students. For example, “I notice that several students are struggling with the concept, so I’ll provide an additional example.”
- Reflect on your teaching strategies and adapt them to student responses. For example, adjust pacing or provide alternative explanations as needed.
2.3 Post-Lesson Reflection
After the lesson, provide a post-lesson reflection as part of the video or accompanying commentary. This reflection should:
- Analyze what worked well and why.
- Address any challenges faced and how you adapted to them.
- Offer insights into how the lesson could be improved in the future.
