Frequently asked questions about classroom observation video filming

If you wish to contribute lessons to our growing collection of classroom observation videos these answers to frequently asked questions may be of use to you.

Classroom Observation Videos

Why are you not charging for the filming of lessons?
Our objective is to create a comprehensive series of classroom observations. We will be selling these DVDs to education establishments and training providers.

What is required of our school?
We will film a maximum of 3 lessons in chosen schools in a single day.

For every lesson filmed we require the following:


How will cameras in the classroom affect the running of lessons?
No particular preparations need to be made and the lesson should be carried out as usual within a single period.
An unobtrusive approach means lessons are filmed without any disruption to the class, and in our experience students ignore the camera entirely if asked to do so.

How long does it take to set up camera and what is involved?
Camera setup time per classroom takes about 15 minutes. Two cameras will be recording the lesson, one focussed on student reaction and the other on the teacher.

What do teachers need to do?

Teachers will be asked to introduce their lesson to camera and also give reflective feedback.
These two clips can be filmed together at an agreed time and room in the school on the same day and usually takes no longer than ten minutes. As the teacher has the closest relationship with students, we would be grateful if he/she tells participants to ignore the cameras and work as usual. Footage of children reacting to camera will end up on the cutting room floor! Also, students should be reminded to speak up, our mics are good, but whispers can’t be heard!

What do students need to do?
We cannot say it enough: ignore cameras and behave as they would in any normal lesson!
We want to see students communicating with the teacher or each other using clear, audible voices and see the process and outcomes of their learning.

Tell me more about Mediamerge
Mediamerge is a media production company that produces high quality video materials for education. Clients include LearnDirect, Tribal Education, Cambridge Education and the BBC. Company Director, Andrej Dethlefsen was previously a teacher of A Level Media Studies and now uses his knowledge of education and new media technologies to deliver practical, accessible and effective solutions.

Download Portfolio PDF To find out more Email us at info@classroomobservation.co.uk or call +44 (0) 1223 573 449.