Appraising and assessing reflection in students' writing on a structured worksheet.

BACKGROUND: A variety of teaching and learning techniques intended to engage students in reflection are either in use or are being developed in medical and dental education. In line with evidence-based practice in education, research is needed to appraise the utility and effectiveness of these techniques, so that they may be used with confidence. AIM: To assess whether students completing a 'reflective' learning activity based on a structured worksheet really were reflecting. METHOD: A qualitative, multi-method approach was taken. Worksheets completed by students were examined for evidence of reflection by researchers using two sets of criteria for the assessment of reflection derived from the literature, and by peer judges using their own criteria. The opinions of students completing the activity, regarding its acceptability and utility, were elicited by a questionnaire incorporating a 5-point Likert scale. RESULTS: Results from all methods suggest that students completing the activity were reflecting. Students' opinions of the activity were mainly positive. CONCLUSION: The methods employed may be of use to educators wishing to appraise reflective learning activities or, possibly, to assess student reflection.

Practice-based learning: emerging professional characteristics, self-concepts and patterns of knowing in dental training.

This paper reports on a content analysis of a reflective learning activity named "A Learning Experience". The study aimed to elucidate the reflections of dental undergraduates and dental therapy students with the purpose of analysing the meaning they attribute to their experiences in training. Thirty-one student-completed worksheets were analysed by drawing themes and patterns from the text. In addition, responses were categorised according to patterns of knowing: empirical, aesthetic, personal and ethical. Findings show that students focused mainly on negative experiences and problem situations. Student reflections showed all 4 patterns of knowing and highlighted emerging professional characteristics and students' own professional self-concepts. Findings are discussed in the light of a growing trend in higher and professional education to encourage reflection on learning and practice.