Protocal for Audio

Appendix F

Appendix F

Protocol for Audio Recording Teacher Sample

During the classroom observation visit, data collectors will audiotape record 20 minutes of teacher instructional talk during a small group activity.

At the beginning of the classroom observation visit, the data collector will remind the teacher that she will audio record small group activities. The data collector will say the following to the teacher:

Today I will be observing and taking notes about today’s lessons. I want to remind you that, in addition to taking notes while I’m here, I will also audiotape record small group activities for 20 minutes. I would like you to please attach this wireless microphone to your shirt. When the class moves to into small groups, I will ask you to turn it on like this (observer demonstrates on/off switch). At that time, I will begin recording. After 20 minutes, I will stop the recording without interrupting your interaction with students. Once the small group activity time is over, you may return the microphone to me. As you know, this tape recording will be used for research purposes only. We will not share the recording with anyone from your school or school system. Your identity will be kept private.

When the class begins small group activities, the observer will begin the audiotape recording. The teacher will wear a wireless microphone used for audio recording, so that recording can continue even if she or he moves to another small group of students. The audio recorder will continue recording for 20 minutes to obtain a sample of teacher talk with children during small instructional group time. After 20 minutes, the recorder will be turned off. At the conclusion of the small group activity, the teacher may remove the microphone and return it to the teacher.

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Note. Responses to this data collection will be used only for statistical purposes. The reports prepared for this study will summarize findings across the sample and will not associate responses with a specific district or individual. We will not provide information that identifies you or your district to anyone outside the study team, except as required by law.