Channelizing the Existing Perceptions of Medical Students Towards Reflective Learning: ANew Insight

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Reflection is an important component of medical education promoting deeper learning. It createsresponsibility among medical students for their own learning. The aim of the present study is to gain insightsinto their existing perceptions on the concept of reflection in terms of attitudes and practices. Channelizingsuch perceptions helps in transformative learning to apply in similar situations in future. Methodology: Atotal of 76 first year MBBS students both male and female were included in study. Two questionnaires wereadministered with an interval of one week with priming, to channelize their outlook towards reflective learning.Questionnaire I was used for quick assessment of existing attitudes towards learning and need- orientedpractices. Questionnaire II was developed to assess changes in their attitudes on reflective learning and goaloriented practices after priming. Results: The responses showed a shift in the perceptions on attitudes andreflective learning practices from rather naive to a more mature type. Discussion: Priming indeed had animportant role in enabling students to express their true behavior and help channelize their reflective habits.These differences in the responses were further explained on the lines of defense mechanisms probablyoperating at different levels in the minds of the students. Conclusion: Including reflective practices routinelyin the curriculum would help students learn, remember and perform better as future health care professionalsand also inculcate the habit of lifelong learning.