RESUMO
International service learning (ISL) courses within physical therapy (PT) education programs are designed, in part, to promote the development of professional values. Assessment of students' professional values, however, is a challenge for educators. METHODS: This study focused on the reflective learning component of an elective 10-day ISL course, evaluated whether PT professional values were manifested in students' written reflections, and characterized the level of student reflections using Bradley's criteria. Twenty-one third-year PT students participated. A qualitative content analysis of each student's written assignments was conducted. RESULTS: Although explicit instruction on PT values was not provided, reflections on professional values were identified in 97% of assignments. All three of Bradley's levels were found in all three written assignments, with the highest proportion of level 2 and 3 reflections being found in unstructured journals. CONCLUSION: Although no instruction specific to PT professional values was provided, values were implicit in student written assignments during this ISL course.
