Youtube Video Observation in Initial Teacher Education

Classroom observation in initial teacher education (ITE), including the use of video, has long been used to nurture key pedagogic skills. However, little or no research has been carried out on the use of online videos to carry out this type of observation. This paper describes how YouTube videos of primary English as a foreign language classrooms were used as a resource for observation and reflection amongst a group of pre-service teachers. Data was collected using questionnaires, interviews, and written reflections, and results show that observing YouTube videos can develop PSTs’ noticing, and help promote good classroom practices. Videos served as a medium to promote PSTs’ ability to reflect on the impact of instructional decisions on learning and to suggest alternative instructional strategies. In addition, the written professional dialogue between PSTs and the university supervisor was effective both in corroborating and re-directing PSTs’ reflections, and in formative assessment. However, it is proposed that it is more useful as a supplement to live observation, rather than a substitute.