Learning Links Tutor 1 Arts and crafts Tutor
Reflective Practitioner Dairy - Case Study 1
Group A
A Bangladeshi women’s Group. The group leader organises transport from home to
venues via local taxis. Few group members speak English fluently and most speak
basic to beginners English as a second language. They are a large group and at
present there are 11 learners on this course, Introduction to Glass Painting.
Session 1 W/c 05/01/05.
This was the first time I had worked with this group and had taught at this community
venue. There were 5 learners. It was a fun, relaxed session, with good
communication between group members and me. The goals set out were achieved
and the learners were pleased with the results of their work.
The leader of the group took photos of the session without giving prior warning whilst
learners were working. This caused one learner to protest quite strongly. She refused
to allow any form of pictures to be taken and a discussion took place about this
between her and the other learners. Discussions were taking place in Bengali and
despite the language difference I could see she was genuinely upset by the camera
and I was glad it was the group leader rather than me. Needless to say I refrained
from using the camera at this session.
Session 2 W/c: 11/1/05
There are 4 new learners to the class, all different ages but with less understanding of
the English language. This brought a 3 way conversation to the room and a challenge
to us. At times learners had to translate between other learners and myself, but we
overcame the communication barrier and all had a laugh. One senior member was
especially pleased when I understood her when she made a light hearted joke. We
have been moved into another room at the centre, and it took more time than I had
anticipated for the learners to choose a design for their projects. We also had two
small children that were distracting the class and have now been told they must attend
the crèche. Due to this, the session was so demanding that I did not have one minute
to think, let alone take any photos.
W/c: 17/1/05
Sadly this course has been cancelled due to a bereavement in the group leaders’
family. At this point I do not know if the course will run at a later date, but will contact
my co-ordinator as the group were making good progress.
W/c: 24/1/05
No session
Portsmouth City Council
Session 3 W/c: 31/1/05
The group has restarted and we are continuing the course in a different venue.
This was a new venue for me to work in, the classroom was a good size and the staff
helpful. We had new learners, making a large class and a full room. Some of the
learners’ children were not happy to go in the crèche and one young mom found that
difficult. I also had my manager observing the session. The session was a success
and the learners worked well making a number of impressive pieces of glass painted
designs.
Students were in the main happy for me to take photos, but I only photographed those
who didn’t mind and avoided others who asked not to be.
Session 4 W/c: 7/2/05
The session was a success, students worked well and achieved a pleasing standard
of glass painting, producing personalised designs. It was a relaxed session, with some
of the students showing me how to write my name in Bengali.
The camera was welcomed by the students to record their work. I checked if any
students preferred not to be photographed. Some asked me not to take pictures of
their faces and I reassured them that I would respect this. I offered the students the
opportunity to look at the images in the display screen to show this but they felt that
my word was enough. One student suggested that I should be photographed teaching,
and when we set up the camera for them to take a picture of me, to our surprise and
much laughter, the batteries ran out!
Positives points about using a camera during the sessions.

Documenting work at different stages

Documenting learners attendance

Recording Achievements and abilities

Can use for Advertising courses

Records of course and materials

Students sense of achievement

Work public and recorded
Negative points about using a camera during the sessions.

Touches on all sorts of personal feelings about self

Batteries and resetting the date every time

Remembering to charge batteries

Time

Safety, security, added worry.

Other demands of time and energy
Portsmouth City Council