To monitor and place in perspective our own feelings on our relationships with students

Aim

To monitor and place in perspective our own feelings on our relationships with students.

Reflection

Probably the best way to do this is by keeping a diary.  This does not have to be an elaborate, time‑consuming one, but simply a personal statement of how things have gone and of how we felt      

The major focus of the diary in this case will obviously be on relationships.  It is very common for such reflections to focus in more detail on particular issues or on interaction with specific individuals.  It should be written professionally, with awareness of ethical issues and the feelings of other classroom participants.

Diary‑keeping tends to heighten awareness and, at the same time, it supplies a document which can be of great value in reviewing events.

Once a diary has been kept for a fortnight or so, you might set aside some time to read it carefully and to reflect upon it with a view to drawing reasonably balanced conclusions regarding yourself and your future planning for the classroom.  It would be better still to discuss the issues which are raised with a colleague or friend.