EDFX315 Professional Experience

Assignment 3a) - Critical Incident Reflection Week 1

Critical incident date: Wednesday 10th June

Description
A prep students mother came into the classroom before school, very upset and concerned that her child had
been punched in the face by another student from the prep class. She said that her child had in fact spoken
to me about it the day before, which I recalled, but only that the child had complained of another child
scratching his face at the end of lunchtime. The student had not mentioned it further once the class had
returned inside, but had spoken to his mother about it after school.

Interpretation
This incident was significant as it was the first serious parental issue that I have been involved in. Both my
response to her concern and my subsequent interaction with the injured child are my areas for consideration
and critique in this reflection.
Response to parent concern
I believe that I let my surprise and shock show too much in my discussion with the parent. I have inferred by
the facial expression of the parent that this impacted on the way that I came across; perhaps as lacing in
confidence and control of the situation, affecting the perception of my professionalism. I believe that I could
be far more measured and in my response, which may have given the parent more support in her concern,
and offered assurance about my abilities as a developing educator.
Interaction with child
This occurrence has encouraged me to reflect on how I communicate with children. Particularly in prep,
where students are building their vocabulary, they may not be able to articulate their concerns as clearly as
they might like. It is therefore my responsibility to question thoughtfully, finding out what has happened in
their words, and following through after the incident to assess if further investigation is needed.

Outcome
On reflection of this occurrence, I am of the opinion that I need to work on how I present my empathy in
situations such as these. I will need to do so in such a way that conveys understanding and compassion, but
does not lay or accept blame for what has happened between students. A goal for my professional practice
is to be more receptive to student needs, and to follow through with incidences in order to be able to report
back to parents in an effective and professional way.