Reviewing using Trainer Diary

I’ve talked before in our courses about the usefulness of learner diaries to track development and identify key milestones in knowledge acquisition. However, there are some great benefits in trainers using dairies as part of their own self-review. A trainer diary can help you to reflect on what happens in the classroom. It can act as a snap-shot in time, which reminds you of what you have done. It also provides a means of recording key behaviours and reactions of students as they happen. I use it to write down things that work as well as the things that don’t, with some ideas for improvement. In this way, I am providing advice for myself, from myself which I can review when I next teach the same thing. Moreover, by recording these thoughts on a regular basis, we are able to see patterns of performance, measure improvements and evaluate our professional journey. Further to this, the diary will give us concrete items to share with others about our experiences and will enable us to craft authentic anecdotes which can be used in future mentoring roles.

You could write it on the run as I do or at the end of every day or just when it strikes your fancy. However, think about what you want to gain from it and that will guide the diary format and frequency. Here are a few general questions you might want to consider:

1. How did the energy flow? Can you relate any highs and lows to specific events?

2. Did you keep to the plans? If not why not?

3. Which was the most successful session of the week and why?

4. Which was the least successful and why?

Whilst it may not be for everyone, the act of reflection can not be understated. So whether you do this formally, (like in a diary), or informally through such things as discussions with friends and colleagues – the important thing is that you are doing it!

Marc Ratcliffe
CEO, MRWED Group
Follow Me on twitter: @MRWED_CEO