Journal writing experience
When I first started with my journal writing, I found it easiest
to write in the way I had learnt from my past educational experiences with the
adaptions I had made to make the process more natural and applicable to my
current work. I always used the same format, which included asking myself the
following questions:
What happened?
What action did I take?
What action do I now need to take?
What action should I have taken if different?
What action did I take?
What action do I now need to take?
What action should I have taken if different?
I would then finish by writing down my thoughts about the event
and the actions I took.
I think that the methods outlines in the task may work better or
worse for people depending on their type of work. In my job it is important to
keep a very detailed record of the days events and the reaction each student has
to them. I am required to write very factual reports, with accurate entries and
timescales. I realise that writing a journal doesn’t have to be as rigid as
this and the methods have pushed me to be more free and expressive in my
recordings. Methodically trying each of the different methods has really made
me analyse my tried and tested methods. I have learnt new ways of recording my
thoughts and experiences. I feel that some of the methods can provided fresh
ways of approaching my work, which can only benefit myself, my colleagues and
the students that I work with.
Day one - Description
I found the description method very similar to the method of
journal writing I currently use, as outlined above. The main difference being that
I conclude by giving a summary of what I thought about the event and action
taken.
Day two - Initial reflection
The day I tried the Initial reflection method I was extremely
irritated by an event that had happened with another colleague. I found the
method very helpful as it acted as a outlet to vent my frustrations and analyse
what had happened in a more calm and considered way.
Day three - List
I struggled to use this method because I ended up spending too
much time considering the order of the list and I didn’t feel that I could
summarise the days events into just a few words, however extensive the list. I found
list making created too much of a watered down version of my days events and
feelings. I also found myself over-thinking how I was writing which I found distracted
my thoughts and flow.
I had a look at listography.com, which enhanced my concerns of the
method not being as in-depth as I feel I need to be in my journal.
[One entry in listography.com I did find quite amusing was as
follows: http://listography.com/sp3zza/about_me/my_dead_to_me_list]
Day four - Evaluation
I think that it is necessary to always evaluate
the day’s events. By doing this I can move forward productively in my
profession. From concentrating on the evaluation element this day, I realise I
should spend more time on this in my future journal entries.
Day five - Graph and chart
I found the graph and chart way of writing overcomplicated, especially
after a long and hard day at work.
Day six - What If
I found the ‘what if’ method the most useful of all. It really made
me think about the different outcomes that could have occurred during a particularly
challenging situation that took place at work that day.
In summary, twice a week I take some of the students from my
school to a sister school to access alternative vocational courses. That day I
was escorting two pupils that I had never worked with before and two that were
very new to the school. On arrival it soon transpired that there have been a
mix-up in the courses that the students had been allocated. Because the
students I work with have learning and behavioural difficulties, this kind of incident
can lead to a very volatile situation. Most of our students do not take well to
change or disappointment. It took two hours of one-to-one with one of the
students to reassure him and diffuse his anxiety.
When writing my journal I started to think about what could have
happened, particularly with the students I had not met before, as I had no idea
of how they would react. On evaluation I will now be more vigilant in my
approach, ensure that all paperwork is correct and that if there is a
possibility of any changes to the days agenda that the students are made aware
of this in good time.
Day seven – Another view
The
very nature of the work I do requires me to be an empathic person. I always
strive to put myself in the other person’s shoes. I have access the student’s
personal files, which helps me to understand their past troubles and why they
react in certain ways. It allows me to tailor different working methods to each
individual. I don’t always get it right he first time and I found this method
really made me think about how they may feel in their circumstance. This gave
me a more informed idea of how I could adapt or change my teaching method to
benefit them both personally and educationally.
