At ppl level the student written record needs mostly to record what needs more work, with a bit of comment about successes. The main purpose of it is so that next session you can remember what the heck you need to do with the student. Inevitably it may read as rather negative when reviewed later.
The verbal de-brief is another matter and should be much more of a two way discussion of what went well, and why, as well as what needs more work. Really important to show the student that they are making progress all the time, even when it doesn't feel like it. Yes, they pay our wages.
I treasure one of my school report entries - 4th Form History - "Heston has been getting a little eccentric this term." I've tried to live up to that ever since
