The requirement of completing six teaching logs as part of the INTAPT Course did not spark any panic or concern in my mind. As part of my fellowship, I am involved in teaching of student in the clinical anaesthesiology setting at least once each week in addition to my weekly four-hour long simulation sessions. For me making the hours would be a breeze. Reviewing the requirements of the logs forms however did not generate such comfort. It requires one to be present emotionally and mentally for the entirety of each teaching interaction. I had to be deliberate and focussed throughout in order to provide meaningful logs for those forms. For me to be able to produce a thorough and accurate review at the end of the interaction, my attention had to be undivided throughout.

Taking a retrospective look at my approach up to that point, I realised that my encounters were just routine for me by now and so I was not being analytical about my sessions or even did much reflection on then. After having to be more deliberate and intentional in my teaching, I found myself noticing more, questioning more and making “notes-to-self”, for later exploration, during these sessions. I was now being totally involved and active about my teaching and learning improvement. I thought I was doing before but now just realising I was passive about it all along.

By the time I completed my fourth teaching log, I felt at ease. I have been so far been spending time ensuring that these experiences were recognized as ones to maximize for my teaching and learning development. This has also set the pace for the logs for my practicum. My fellowship coordinators have also voiced their observation of the passion and enthusiasm I demonstrate during my teaching along with improvement in all areas they assess. Learners’ evaluation submitted to my coordinator have been positive.

The new approach to teaching in the clinical anaesthesiology setting which involves a focus on reflection in and on the experience, have been favorably received by learners. I was unsure about their reaction to something “new” approach and worried about them giving negative feedback about it. As it turned out, they appreciated the opportunity and encouragement to be reflective as they recognised the benefits of such a practice.

Overall, I am glad the importance of continual reflection and self assessment was revealed from keeping these logs for the INTAPT course. Incorporating these into my approach to teaching and learning have made the experience so much more valuable and rewarding.