ABSTRACT
It is familiar with the worrying ways in which young people can be propelled into action by their difficulties, while finding the prospect of any reflection pretty terrifying. This chapter describes the application and development of the work discussion method to teaching staff within educational settings. In order to do this, the chapter draws author's own experience of running work discussion groups in schools and colleges. This has involved groups comprising a mix of staff within a school, groups for specific staff, and one mixed primary/secondary school group. The chapter also draws on experience gained through running groups for middle and senior managers designed to develop leadership capacity. Some discussion about the parameters of confidentiality is always important. Overall, teachers report that work discussion groups enable them to become “much more aware” of the needs of their pupils, remain “calmer with provocative students” and “much more positive about their work”.
