Using the video Observation Observed in teaching: A discussion

Abstract

An account of a discussion at the Tavistock Clinic between a group of child and adult psychotherapists who have used the video Observation Observed in the teaching of infant observation and a wide range of related courses, including with health visitors, social workers, school teachers and students of psychology and counselling. The discussion highlights the tremendous potential of video as a teaching tool, the accessibility of video as a medium and its ability to interest and engage audiences new to psychoanalytical ideas or even those hostile to them. The complexity and power of video material is discussed, with consideration of its potential impact on viewers and how these can be understood and contained. Discussants also raise issues about objectivity and subjectivity in relation to the camera, and the benefits and disadvantages of collective viewing, including in diverse ethnic and social groups.

Keywords:

• Video
• teaching
• students
• infant observation
• young child observation
• anxiety
• identifications
• cultural difference
• subjectivity

Acknowledgments

Copies of Observation Observed are available from the Training Directorate, Tavistock and Portman NHS Trust, 120 Belsize Lane, London NW4 5BA, E-mail [email protected]