The Influence of Video Reflection on Preservice Music Teachers’ Concerns in Peer- and Field-Teaching Settings

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate preservice music teacher concerns as stated in written reflections before and after video feedback. Nineteen preservice music teachers enrolled in instrumental methods courses wrote free-response reflections of peer- and field-teaching episodes. Statements were coded utilizing the Fuller and Bown teacher concerns framework. A total of 2,404 statements were coded into self, task, and student impact concern categories. In addition to coding the data using an a priori approach, I used an inductive process to examine the quality of participants’ reflective statements before and after video reflection. Video reflections included approximately 65% more statements than initial reflections. Qualitative content analysis revealed that participants’ reflections grew more detailed and specific as a result of video feedback. Many video reflections also included a second level of reflection. Participants focused in greater detail on their ability to communicate with students, detect errors in performance, and provide specific feedback related to the lesson objectives and responses from students. Participants made more critical comments about their physical appearance after video feedback, focusing on what they perceived as awkward physical traits or habits. Overall percentages of concerns in each category remained stable throughout.