In class (aka Lisa Live)

One of my students recently filmed me giving a lesson. She'd asked if she could do so because she wanted to show it to some of her colleagues at her school. I was flattered but a little surprised because it was a pretty straightforward textbook lesson--nothing particularly unusual. Anyway, after filming, she edited it and gave me a copy, which I'm posting here.

I can't remember the last time I saw myself on tape (or, I should say, on video). Having watched and given feedback on so many teaching demo videos, I look at my own with a critical eye (as in "critique" not "criticize") and think about how I'd change the lesson next time.

I remember feeling pretty nervous when she was filming, but I don't see that coming through when I watch. I do seem to be going more slowly than I remember, and maybe that's because I'm being filmed. I'm happy to see that I smile a lot when teaching (or at least when teaching this group). And I'm glad to hear my voice sounding relaxed, even soothing. I wasn't aware of that. If I were being filmed doing a similar lesson (or just doing the lesson without being filmed), I think I'd want to pick up the pace.

I should explain the opening. One of the students had made a funny sound with her lips, like a very tired sigh, while I was writing on the board and had my back to the class. Hearing it reminded me of my father, who does the same thing, and the thought made me laugh. So, I'm explaining this to the class at the point the edited video begins.

Sorry Dad!

I've also resolved to start doing sit-ups.