A new book aims to help educators successfully make and implement a plan for using video-based learning as part of the classroom observation and professional development process.

“Evidence of Practice: Playbook for Video-Powered Professional Learning” offers 12 strategies for video coaching – including Video Learning Communities (VLCs), Virtual Walk-through, and Online Lesson Study – that readers can implement in their own districts, schools, or classrooms.

“This book fills a sorely needed gap in professional practice literature when it comes to best practices for video coaching, and it answers the important questions any educator might have when using video to improve teaching in the classroom,” said Cary Goldweber, executive producer of digital products at ASCD. “It is a nice balance between theory, practice, and application.”

“Evidence of Practice” draws from researcher and practitioner advice to provide a practical and implementation-focused guide immediately useful to educators. Authored by Edthena founder Adam Geller along with Annie Lewis O’Donnell, the book also includes an afterword by professional development author and instructional coaching expert Jim Knight.

“Teachers, coaches, and administrators often believe video observation and video coaching can be a high-impact tool for accelerating teacher growth, but the gap between a good idea and execution can feel large,” said Geller. “The new playbook bridges this gap by providing educators with practical, concrete steps to implement and use video coaching with fidelity.”

The book also covers the research basis for putting video evidence at the center of professional learning, focusing techniques for analyzing video of classrooms, and tactical guidance about recording and sharing teaching videos. 

“Educators will appreciate that the authors tackle the issue of trust building while at the same time providing best practice and practical examples that promote successful implementation,” said Stephanie Hirsh, executive director of Learning Forward. “This book is an important tool that belongs in every school’s professional library.” 

Geller and Knight’s collective expertise earned them an invitation as featured speakers at the Learning Forward 2017 Annual Conference in Orlando, Fla., this December. Their presentation, “Using Video for High-Impact Instruction,” directly explores how schools and districts can take action to implement video within their professional learning programs.

“Evidence of Practice” is available for purchase in print and eBook formats for $27.99. To learn more, visit www.evidenceofpractice.com.