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Video Interaction Guidance is a developing area both in Scotland and internationally. The following information about Video Interaction Guidance is reproduced with thanks to the Dundee VIG Network.
Some frequently asked questions about Video Interaction Guidance can be found below
It is a technique which aims to improve communication and relationships for participants. It involves participants in viewing and dicussing very short recordings of their successful interactions with a Video Interaction Guider.
Videotaping takes place wherever interaction normally occurs. This could be at home, in any group setting, during play activity or in the workplace.
- With parents/carers or staff who are involved with children on a regular basis. Children can be from pre-school age to teenagers and include those with additional support needs
- With families
- With children themselves
- With staff in any work setting - e.g. as a supervision and staff support/development tool or for team development
The Video Interaction Guider records about 10 minutes of interaction between the particiopants - either adult to adult, adult to child, or worker to adult and/or child. The guider returns on another day with about three selected clips showing the best examples of communication. The clips are selected using the Contact Principles - a set of principles developed from research into effective interaction. The guider and participants then view the clips and discuss them fully. The participants should then begin to see many elements of the skills they have and exactly how they can build further on these. This process is repeated until agreed success is achieved
Only about ten minutes of interaction is recorded. It can take about an hour to discuss the selected clips of successful interaction at the feedback session. The number of feeback sessions can vary according to the needs of the participants. The recording and feedback sessions enable the participants to recognise how their positive interaction helps communication.
Participants become much more aware of their own skills in effective communication through viewing themselves. Their own views of the situation are listened to and responded to by the guider. They feel empowered. Their relationships, interactions and behaviour can develop considerably as they change their communication style.
Research has still to explain fully how it works. However evidence to date shows that it
- reduces stress for the participants
- positively reframes the participants' perceptions of themselves
- changes patterns of interactions
Practioners believe that the technique works for the following reasons
- Filming is done in context - home, school, workplace, so it is based on what really happens.
- Participants are able to stand back and look at themselves on screen
- The process of actually seeing themselves communicate effectively is empowering and changes self perception
- There is raised awareness of their own interaction skills and the potential for further growth
- participants feel listened to by the guider and that their views and feelings are received
- The guider models the contact principles during feedback to provide a positive blueprint for approaching interaction and communication
- A shared understanding develops
- Changes in participants' self awareness and the self modeling that takes place through viewing themselves together with the support received all contribute to positive changes in communication and relationships with others.
People do learn from their mistakes but repeated focus on the negative aspects will be seen as criticism and undermine the relationship that the guiders and participants have. VIG focuses on developing successful interaction skills which can be used to replace negative interaction. It guides the participants to develop their understanding of what works for them
The effectiveness of this technique has been demonstrated in a range of recent research. For example, a meta-analysis of 29 studies by Fukkink (2008) shows statistically significant positive effects of video feedback interventions on the parenting behaviour and attitude of parents and the development of the child.
The Educational Psychologist in your school or Heather Sked - heather.sked@highland.gov.uk Tel: 01463 233494