British Council-Study diaries

Transcript of the podcast

Claire: So, Peter, do you want to have a look at your diary together? As this is the first year we’ve been using them I’d really like to get some feedback from you on erm how useful you think it has been

.Peter: No problem. I’ll just get it

Claire: Right, well you’ve certainly been making good use of it haven’t you! I mean look how much you’ve written since September. Let’s start with the part where you write about the lessons and what you’ve got out of them. Do you think that it’s helped you to write it down

.Peter: Definitely

?Claire: Well, in what way

Peter: Ermmm. In lots of ways. First of all I have a bad memory so writing down what we do in class helps me to remember

.Claire: OK that’s a good point

Peter: Writing down what I find difficult is also very useful. I like it when you look at my diary each week and you help me with my problems. It’s easier than asking lots of questions in class or looking for the answer after class. This year with my study diary I write everything down at the end of each class and then I can find the answers either on my own or with your help. It’s much better

?Claire: That’s great! Is there anything else that you find good about your diary

Peter: I also like making comments on what I liked and didn’t like doing in class. I think maybe it helps you to know us better and to make the classes more interesting. I also try to make constructive comments

Claire: No, I agree. Your comments definitely help me to understand how you learn best and what works in class

Peter: The only problem with the diaries is that they take a lot of time to write. At the beginning it was difficult to remember to write them, but it’s better now we have time at the end of the class

Claire: Yeah, absolutely. Would you like to do anything different in your diary? Do you think there’s anything missing

Peter: Well, ermmm, you never mark my English. I think it would be good if you corrected it

Claire: Yes, but I decided not to so that you could write freely and express yourself without being marked all the time

Peter: Yes, but if we spend all that time writing in English it’s better to find out our mistakes

Claire: OK, I’ll ask the rest of the class and see what everyone thinks. It’s a good comment and if the others agree then I don’t mind pointing out some of the most important mistakes you make. I’ll see what they say. Anyway, thanks for your help and I’m very glad that you enjoy using your diary