What We Can Learn from Mining the Lesson Transcript

Every lesson leaves a trail: not just in the memories of the students or the marks in their books, but in the language, structure, and rhythm of what was said. Buried in that spoken record is a rich seam of professional insight—if we know how to mine it.

That’s where Starlight comes in.

By turning classroom audio into a detailed transcript and applying AI-driven analysis, we open up an entirely new way to reflect on teaching. Not through snapshots or checklists, but through dialogue—the teacher’s own words, pauses, instructions, questions, and interactions.

What does the transcript reveal?

A lesson transcript offers a window into:

• Teacher Talk vs. Student Talk: Are students getting enough space to speak, or is teacher voice dominating?

• Types of Questions: Are we asking closed recall questions, or inviting analysis, reasoning, and discussion?

• Wait Time and Pacing: How long do we really pause for thinking? Are we rushing or dragging?

• Instructions and Clarity: Are our directions clear, concise, and well-sequenced?

• Transitions: How smoothly do we move from one phase of the lesson to the next?

• Follow-Up: Do we return to student answers and build on them—or move on too quickly?

Patterns, Not Judgments

The goal isn’t to ‘catch’ mistakes—it’s to surface patterns. Over time, these patterns offer powerful insights into habits we didn’t know we had, or strategies we didn’t realise were working.

One teacher might discover they’re unintentionally answering their own questions. Another might notice that their strongest moments come when they speak less. Another might spot how much praise they offer compared to specific feedback.

It’s all there in the transcript.

From Words to Wisdom

By mining transcripts, teachers can:

• Identify micro-habits in explanation and questioning

• Compare lesson openings or plenaries over time

• Review how they scaffolded a complex concept

• Analyse how behaviour prompts were phrased and received

• Spot gaps between planning and delivery

In short, we can go beyond general impressions and into the mechanics of practice.

A Tool for Dialogue, Not Surveillance

We often say Starlight isn’t about judgement—it’s about insight. That’s especially true when it comes to the transcript. When reviewed through a coaching lens, it becomes a neutral, objective reference point that fosters curiosity and dialogue.

The words are already in the room. Starlight simply helps us hear them more clearly.

Adam Sturdee

Co-founder of Starlight | Assistant Headteacher | Coaching Enthusiast

www.starlightmentor.com