Klarinet Archive - Posting 000103.txt from 2004/02

From: Michael Sausedo <cosmicjello@-----.com>
Subj: [kl] Recording devices?
Date: Tue, 10 Feb 2004 07:07:15 -0500

When I sat down to begin this thread, my first
intention was to find a high quality, portable and
reasonably affordable recording device to tape
student's lessons and sectionals. This is still a
major part of my question. I went to the local <gasp>
Wal-mart and found 1 model of tape recording device.
So, I shrugged, made the $20 investment and went on my
merry way. Well, to my disappointment, this
particular device is not adequate. It sounds as if
someone is slightly depressing the fast forward key,
then the rewind key in 10 second to 1 minute spans of
time. So the recording goes from chipmunks to Eeyore
to normal in a short manner of time.

Definitely unacceptable for trying to use this as a
tool to evaluate progress.

But it got me thinking. Having worked in law
enforcement for a number of years, one of the main
concerns is, liability. What would any "reasonable"
person do to limit liability. In a society where
Middle school age students know and understand the
consequences of a horrible allegation of a physical
misconduct or even a verbal misconduct by the teacher,

(here's a big question)

What steps have you/we as teachers implemented to
limit the liability of a wrongfully accused
allegation?

This is where the recording device comes in. I
thought, this would be a great way to keep everyone
honest. Make the parents aware through a written
contract, signed of course, and with permission to
record all lessons and keep a copy for:

1. Use of the student for evaluation of improvement
and to isolate areas of improvement

2. Keep everyone honest

It's my hope that the device never have to be used for
the latter, but I'm not that naive either. I, and
this goes back to law enforcement, would rather take
the necessary liability limiting steps any
"reasonable" person would take and never have them
used in that capacity, than be questioned and not have
an adequate means of defense or support.

Unfortunately this makes me sound more cynical than I
feel I am.

So, two main questions.

1. Do you use recording devices for evaluating
purposes?
If so, what works well for you?
Any suggestions that fall into the reasonably
affordable, high quality and portable categories?

2. What kinds of "liability limiting" devices do you
use, if any.

Thanks for your time and I look forward to your
input!!

Mike Sausedo

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