27/01/2014

Today was week two of the programme for Our Lady and St Edwards, again I thought it would be useful to include a session plan below to give an idea of what the session entailed:

During this session I was supervising of a group of 7 children whilst they grew their own cress seeds. Having not fully read over the briefing sheet, I instructed two of the children incorrectly. My supervisor and the other volunteer had led this session various times before therefore did not require the briefing sheet, not wanting to appear inexperienced I took the choice to not take me sheet to the table with me. To explain this mistake I will use Gibbs Reflective Model (1988) which involves six stages of reflection, these are: Description, Feelings, Evaluation, Analysis, Conclusion and Action Plan .

• Feelings- When the children realised that they had sowed their seeds differently to some of the other groups, they immediately knew that theirs was wrong. This made me feel instantly embarrassed as I tried to quickly gather other materials so the children could start again before their time ran out. When I told my supervisor I felt nervous, however she told me not to worry and made me feel comfortable, almost 'laughing it off'.
• Evaluation- I believe that I reacted to the situation well, by quickly getting the children more materials they did have time to complete another batch, ensuring they weren't missing out. As mentioned by supervisor reacted really well to the situation, observing that I was nervous about it she soon calmed me down. The children also reacted well and didn't make any comments towards me. By not referring back to my briefing sheet, this issue arose, therefore it is important for me to do this in future. Speaking to the other volunteer in the class she reassured me that her first few sessions were rather daunting and she forgot a few simple things herself. .....

• Analysis- I believe that speaking to my supervisor straight away was the best thing I could have done, it made me feel at ease and relaxed. If I was to 'put off'' this conversation it could have made things much by not dealing with a situation immediately and speaking to an authority figure the situation can be made worse.  
• Conclusion- I believe that the way in which I handled the situation was ideal, I'm happy that I informed my supervisor straight away. To avoid any similar situations in future it is important for me read the briefing sheet thoroughly and take it with me to the table if necessary.  
• Action Plan- Next time I am in a similar situation I will be sure to take my briefing sheet along to the table and not feel embarrassed to have to glance back at it. For if this was the case during today, this problem would not have occurred.

 

GIBBS, G. (1988) Learning by Doing: A Guide to Teaching and Learning Methods. Oxford: Further Educational Unit, Oxford Polytechnic.