Methods for recording video in the classroom: producing single and multi-camera videos for research into teaching and learning

This paper presents a practical toolkit for researchers seeking to use video to record teaching and learning in classroom settings. It outlines the key challenges associated with recording video in the classroom and explores some of the various technical options available to educational or social researchers working in schools, universities, training venues, or other similar settings. This includes a discussion of the choice of video and audio equipment and of various methods of recording and producing videos. Particular attention is paid here to ‘multi-camera’ recording, which combines different camera angles to simultaneously capture both teachers and learners. This paper also includes a brief discussion of how researchers may benefit from some of the current advances in digital video technologies. These technical discussions and reflections are based on a study into teaching and learning processes on short courses in research methods conducted by Melanie Nind, Rose Wiles, and Daniel Kilburn at the NCRM Hub. However, it is hoped that these insights may be of use for video-based social research in a wide range of educational contexts and beyond.