Instructions for Teaching Clinic Videotape Preparation

Teaching Clinics are designed to prepare you for eventual independent reflective evidence-based practice. Use of video-recording is unparalleled as a tool for developing the related skills. Every effort must be made during your practicum to obtain video samples of your clinical practice for reflection together with peers (reminder: a consent form must be used).

What’s the best way to get a video-recording? Do I have to tape the whole session? What if a client is reluctant? Should I show one clip or two?

• Train the view of the camera on YOU. Where possible, also include the client so that you may examine client reactions and responses. This is important if you want to examine clinical skills such as timing and type of reinforcement.
• A client who is reluctant to be taped may be willing if left out of the visual field of the recording. Ask. It’s ok if you tape yourself and not the client; In this case the client will be heard, but not seen. This works particularly well if you want to examine how you deliver instructions for a therapy task, explain about giving a test, etc.
• It may not be necessary to videotape an entire session. Ask the client if it is ok if you tape yourself explaining test results, or just one of the therapy tasks, for instance.
• For your first teaching clinic, it’s best to show one clip for areas of strength and another clip for areas for development. After that, it’s fine to use the same clip for both purposes.

What do I do if I cannot obtain consent for videotaping?

• Notify the Coordinator of Clinical Education immediately, including an explanation of the reason as well as your alternate plan. You have several options:
  • Obtain an audio-recording of your work with a client. Bring the materials used during the taped session for the peer group to see. Perhaps take a picture of the room set-up to show the group.
  • Video-tape a role-play. Ask your CE, a fellow student, or another friendly volunteer to act as the client. Demonstrate giving a test, explaining and implementing a treatment task, explaining test results or a treatment plan, etc. Use a scenario similar to your placement experiences.
  • Prepare a “script”. Give a sequential description with lots of details of how the session went, perhaps in the form of a screenplay! Bring materials to show or demonstrate as part of your description. Please submit a copy of what you prepare to the group facilitator. Bring copies for your peers, as well.