Next-Gen Classroom Observations, Powered by AI

Let’s go to the videotape to improve instruction and classroom practice

Michael J. Petrilli

Education Next

Next-Gen Classroom Observations, Powered by AI: Enhancing Instruction through Technology

In the realm of education, the utilization of video recordings to improve teacher performance is not a novel concept. However, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) offers a promising new tool for evaluating instructional practices and providing feedback aligned with professional goals. This evolution marks a shift from initial AI applications focused on student instruction, such as IXL, Zearn, and Khan Academy’s Khanmigo, to supporting teacher development and effectiveness.

AI and Video Technology in Teacher Feedback

The core idea behind using video for teacher observations is straightforward: teachers record their instructional sessions, select notable clips, and upload them for review by instructional coaches or principals. This method, pioneered by the Measures of Effective Teaching (MET) project funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, has been further developed by companies like Edthena. Founded by Adam Geller, Edthena leverages video feedback to bridge the "feedback gap," providing more frequent and effective evaluations of teaching practices.

Edthena's innovation lies in its use of an "AI Coach" chatbot, which offers teachers specific prompts as they review their lesson recordings. This AI tool encourages self-reflection and helps teachers develop action plans based on their performance relative to professional standards. While AI coaching cannot replace human coaches, it serves as a valuable supplement, akin to mental health chatbots that support cognitive behavioral therapy.

TeachFX: Data-Driven Insights for Teaching

TeachFX, another pioneering company, takes a data-centric approach to improving teaching practices. The app records audio from classrooms and employs AI to differentiate between teacher and student speech, providing visualizations of classroom dynamics. Teachers receive feedback on metrics such as the ratio of teacher talk to student talk, engagement levels, and the use of open-ended questions.

The app’s founder, Jamie Poskin, developed TeachFX to address the challenge of providing timely feedback to teachers, especially new ones. Initial analyses focused on increasing student talk time, with notable success. As the technology evolved, TeachFX incorporated additional metrics aligned with evidence-based best practices. Research by Dorottya Demszky and colleagues in 2023 demonstrated that teachers using TeachFX increased their use of "focusing questions," enhancing student reflection and explanation.

AI in Teacher Evaluation: A Controversial Prospect

The prospect of using AI for formal teacher evaluations remains contentious. Experts like Thomas Kane of the Harvard Graduate School of Education caution against integrating AI into supervisory roles, fearing it might deter teachers from engaging with these technologies. Both Geller and Poskin emphasize that their platforms are designed for self-improvement rather than formal assessment.

Despite the reluctance to use AI for evaluations, there is potential for these technologies to support teacher development. By allowing teachers to control the process and data, and providing incentives such as professional learning credits, schools can encourage the use of AI tools for growth rather than punitive measures.

From Bodycams to Classroom Cams: A Vision for Accountability

The idea of using AI-powered classroom recordings to hold ineffective teachers accountable draws parallels to the use of bodycams in law enforcement. While this notion remains speculative due to educational politics, it highlights the potential for AI to enhance accountability and improve student outcomes by identifying and addressing substandard teaching practices.

Conclusion

AI-powered video observations present a valuable opportunity to enhance teacher development. By providing data-driven insights and encouraging self-reflection, these technologies can help motivated educators refine their practices and improve student achievement. However, their implementation must be carefully managed to ensure they serve as tools for growth rather than punitive evaluation.

Source:

Petrilli, M. J. (n.d.). Next-Gen Classroom Observations, Powered by AI. Education Next. Retrieved from https://www.educationnext.org/next-gen-classroom-observations-power...

Original Article

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Prepared with the assistance of AI software

OpenAI. (2024). ChatGPT (4) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com