Do you videotape your students? When? Where?
Posted: Sat Feb 23, 2008 3:57 am
Sometimes seeing - and hearing - is believing.
Many university and IEP language courses include videotaping. It's a powerful, persuasive educational tool.
But few adult education programs videotape ESL students. I hope that changes soon.
Videotaping placement tests for ESL classes would be ideal, but it could also make an excellent graduation "gift" or exit exam.
Adding a camera to the exit interview process emphasizes the importance of the interview, documents the verbal exchange, and allows the student and teachers to review the interview. Even better, the videotape can be shown to other students and family members.
Naturally, many students want to both “know the truth” about their English conversation skills.- and avoid additional ESL classes. Videotaping placement and exit tests provides an effective way to both build confidence in the language testing process - and explain placement decisions. Students who watch themselves can gain a new perspective on their strengths and weaknesses as a verbal communicator in English. I’m very pleased that my university program has added videotaping to the testing process. Why wasn’t this done years ago?
During university ESL and EL/Civics classes, I have videotaped mock job interviews and presentations for years. Students often find the videotapes fascinating. Posting the videotapes on course websites also allows students to view themselves at will, make transcripts, and literally see improvements in their speaking skills. Self-evaluations can help students learn from their “good mistakes.” Peer-evaluations provide additional feedback. I strongly recommend that language schools and ESL programs invest in this simple, yet powerful, technology.
When will adult education schools start to include this powerful 20th century technology in their ESL programs?
Many university and IEP language courses include videotaping. It's a powerful, persuasive educational tool.
But few adult education programs videotape ESL students. I hope that changes soon.
Videotaping placement tests for ESL classes would be ideal, but it could also make an excellent graduation "gift" or exit exam.
Adding a camera to the exit interview process emphasizes the importance of the interview, documents the verbal exchange, and allows the student and teachers to review the interview. Even better, the videotape can be shown to other students and family members.
Naturally, many students want to both “know the truth” about their English conversation skills.- and avoid additional ESL classes. Videotaping placement and exit tests provides an effective way to both build confidence in the language testing process - and explain placement decisions. Students who watch themselves can gain a new perspective on their strengths and weaknesses as a verbal communicator in English. I’m very pleased that my university program has added videotaping to the testing process. Why wasn’t this done years ago?
During university ESL and EL/Civics classes, I have videotaped mock job interviews and presentations for years. Students often find the videotapes fascinating. Posting the videotapes on course websites also allows students to view themselves at will, make transcripts, and literally see improvements in their speaking skills. Self-evaluations can help students learn from their “good mistakes.” Peer-evaluations provide additional feedback. I strongly recommend that language schools and ESL programs invest in this simple, yet powerful, technology.
When will adult education schools start to include this powerful 20th century technology in their ESL programs?