Fear of the Known: Using Audio-Visual Technology as a Tool for Reflection in Teacher Education.

Even though videotape technology has been found to be an effective tool for evaluation of student teachers, this technology is often not used to assess performance in preservice clinical experiences. The purpose of this study was to explore the use of video technology as a tool for reflection in teacher education. In the study, student teachers and junior level field experience participants were required to videotape three teaching segments and to use those teaching samples as avenues for reflection and self-assessment. Students completed written evaluations after each videotape session as well as a Preservice Teacher Reflection and Self Analysis survey. To provide a focus for their reflection, students were asked to consider three skill groups: interpersonal skills; instructional management and organizational skills; and questioning skills. Study results suggested that preservice teachers' focused observations and reflections on their own teaching yield more reliable and helpful information than their attempts to self-assess their overall teaching competency. Student teachers tended to be more specific and descriptive in their self-assessment than did junior level practicum participants, and both groups demonstrated they were better at assessing their interpersonal skills and instructional management competencies than at assessing their use of questioning strategies. The results of this study support the use of audiovisual technology as a tool for reflection in teacher preparation and suggest that preservice teachers could benefit from more instruction and experience in videotaping, self assessment, reflection, and questioning strategies. Attached tables include: videotape flowchart, videotape self-assessment evaluation forms, and the Preservice Teacher Reflection and Self-Analysis survey form. (ND)