Periscope: Looking into Learning

Become a better teacher, help
others become better teachers

Get more out of your classrooms.
See better. Listen better. Teach better.

Register for PhysPort
to access Periscope*

Over 40 lessons
Authentic classroom video
Discussion prompts
Facilitator's guides

Register

or Sign in with your PhysPort or Compadre account

*Registration open to educators only

What is Periscope?

A collection of lessons for faculty and LAs/TAs to:

For details on how to implement Periscope lessons, see the Periscope Facilitator's Guide.

Periscope lessons in 3 easy steps

1. Watch classroom video; 2. Discuss in small groups; 3. Discuss with whole group

"Periscope has become integral in our efforts to introduce faculty to LA-facilitated learning environments. Videos provide a shared context for faculty to observe, identify, and discuss the roles of LAs, students, and materials in these settings." - Laurie Langdon, Learning Assistant Program Co-Director, University of Colorado-Boulder

"My TAs said they had never realized there was so much to attend to besides just student ideas. I was impressed with the variety of things they noticed - LA and student behaviors, body language, power dynamics, physics content, gender stuff, the structure of the rooms, student attitudes." - Steve Pollock, Professor of Physics and Physics Learning Assistant Program Director, University of Colorado-Boulder

"The video episodes are engaging and always stimulate valuable discussions about the learning and teaching of physics (and STEM content more broadly). Due to the rich and nuanced nature of the videos, a single clip can be used to probe different aspects of teaching and learning and can support discussions of all lengths." - MacKenzie Stetzer, Professor of Physics and instructor of Learning Assistant pedagogy course, University of Maine, former director of teaching assistant training, University of Washington

Lesson Topics

Periscope is perfect for TA/LA pedagogy courses, faculty development seminars, and self-study. Over 40 lessons in multiple themed collections cover topics such as:

Some examples of our lessons:
  • How can I bring out students' ideas?
  • What ideas do students have about tension and balancing?
  • Do students have the right to be told whether they are correct?
Register for PhysPort to access Periscope*

Over 40 lessons
Authentic classroom video
Discussion prompts
Facilitator's guides

Register
*Registration open to educators only