Using Vosaic to optimise my Teaching Inquiry.

Pt England School has provided teachers with Vosaic, an AI powered feedback and analysis tool.  Vosaic takes video of real classroom interactions and analysis them within the parameters of best practise.  Furthermore it allows me as the teacher to drill down into the specifics of my inquiry by posing detailed prompts to the AI engine.  Vosaic can then provide detailed and objective feedback on teacher practise.  It will also provide research which provides further readings to support our inquiry.

At the end of term 1 I experimented with using Vosaic to record my teaching of a small group reading lesson with my target students.

There were some challenges coming to grips with the equipment and getting the students used to a recording device being used in the class.  There were definately times my recordings were interrupted by students doing dance routes and close ups into the camera!  But eventually we all got used to it.

Once the video was uploaded into the Vosaic program it was clear the opportunities this technology provides.  Firstly it provides a detailed transcipt, and AI summary.  Below is a screen shot.

Then it is possible to enter your own prompt:

This is when I entered by inquiry prompt. 

What strategies can I use to assist my students to successfully answer comprehension and inferential questions about their BSLA text?

This was what Vosaic provided:

Strategies for Assisting Students with Comprehension and Inferential Questions

To help students successfully answer comprehension and inferential questions about their BSLA (Balanced Literacy Approach) text, consider implementing the following strategies based on the provided transcript:

• Modeling Think-Alouds: Demonstrate how to think aloud while reading. For instance, the teacher in the transcript prompts students to notice details about a character's actions and surroundings, such as when they discuss the character who "turned around" and "was too far away" (, ). This encourages students to verbalize their thoughts and reasoning.
• Encouraging Textual Evidence: Prompt students to refer back to the text for evidence. The teacher asks students to point to specific words and sounds, which helps them connect their answers to the text (, ). This practice reinforces the importance of using the text to support their answers.
• Asking Open-Ended Questions: Use open-ended questions that require students to infer meaning. For example, the teacher asks, "What did you notice about that person?" (), which encourages students to think critically and provide detailed responses based on their observations.
• Visual Supports: Utilize visual aids or props to help students visualize the context of the text. The teacher references a character's backpack and camping scenario (), which can help students make connections and enhance their understanding of the narrative.
• Collaborative Discussions: Foster group discussions where students can share their thoughts and interpretations. The teacher encourages students to discuss their observations collectively, which can lead to deeper understanding and varied perspectives ().

By incorporating these strategies, you can create a supportive learning environment that enhances students' comprehension and inferential skills when engaging with their texts.

Research:

Research indicates that modeling think-aloud strategies and encouraging the use of textual evidence significantly improve students' reading comprehension and inferential reasoning skills (Duke & Pearson, 2002). Additionally, collaborative discussions have been shown to enhance critical thinking and comprehension among peers (Vygotsky, 1978).