Creating a Space for Reflection on Teaching: The 1997-99 Department of Human Relations work discussion groups

This article presents an overview of three staff development projects whose aim was to provide university staff with a reflective space in which to share their experiences of teaching psychosocial studies and social work to a large, heterogeneous body of students. Aspects of the staff-student relationship are discussed. The author aims to show how staff and students could have similar expectations and experiences in these subject areas in a 'new' university; but also widely divergent ones. It is argued that 'quality' resides in the staff-student relationship, and in the goodwill and commitment of each to articulate together their understanding of the material to be learnt. On the basis of the success of the projects, a case is made for the value of a self-reflexive 'work discussion' space for teaching practitioners.