You make some interesting points, Sue. However, just to put another point of view - it is extremely
easy to make video recordings nowadays. The ease of so doing means that many of our learners aren't
intimidated by this. A Flip camera, for example, is barely larger than a phone and can be simply
left on the end of a desk. Last year, during some Functional Skills exams, I routinely videoed all
of the speaking and listening sessions in order to ensure rigour of assessment. The learners forgot
about the Flip camera almost immediately. Several of them referred to it as "Julie's phone", and
were then surprised when I produced a different 'phone' from my bag. For that matter, you could
probably video learners using a Smartphone.
The beauty of a Flip camera is that you can immediately slot it into a PC and upload the recording.
The camera is comparatively cheap, too. (Gosh, I sound like a salesperson for Flip cameras! )
Although the learners weren't all "forward facing", it was perfectly possible to see faces on the
Flip camera video recording - and that was without adjusting the camera from its position, parked on
the end of desk and left to run!
So - maybe not all doom and gloom?
Julie Furnivall
47 Hart Hill Lane
LUTON
LU2 0BA
Tel: 01582 721907
Mob: 07890 004521
E-mail: [log in to unmask]
www.furnivallassociates.co.uk
-----Original Message-----
From: ESOL-Research discussion forum and message board [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On
Behalf Of Sue Mirams
Sent: 09 November 2011 08:51
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Edexcel Video Recordings
Hi
Thanks to all who have replied to me individually or on the forum. The latest booklets that have
come out from Edexcel - 'Guidance and Instructions for conducting ESOL and ESOL for Work Tests
2011-2012' and 'Standards Verification Handbook 2011-12' both state video recording is required and
have no mention of audio recording. Pages 11 and 12 of the Guidance document give 27 points about
how to video record. The first point is 'All assessed learners' performances must be video
recorded'.
Various of you have phoned Edexcel and the reply has been to some that it is a typo or mistake ( 27
required points a typo?) and that the specification would have to be changed before it is a
requirement; others have been told it is being phased in this year. I am still waiting for my
Standards Verifier to get back to me.
I agree we have to prepare learners for real life but do not believe that video recording learners
in a test situation is fair. Point 9.17 of the latest guidance booklet says that the learner should
be forward facing and looking straight in the video camera. This is extremely intimidating and not
realistic particularly when the learner is supposed to be talking to either the interlocutor or
their partner during the test.
Hopefully, at some point, there will be a definitive response from Edexcel but it does appear that
in the light of everyone's enquiries audio recording will be permitted for the time being at least.
Best wishes
Sue Mirams
ESOL Manager
Leicestershire Adult Learning Service
0116 2696924
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