Abstract
To determine the role of guided reflection for improved learning outcomes in students of basic dental sciences. The quasi-experimental comparative educational study was conducted at the Islamic International Dental College, Islamabad, Pakistan, from May to September 2019, and comprised second-year undergraduate students in the Basic Medical Sciences curriculum for Microbiology. The subjects were arbitrarily divided into Group-1, which was exposed to guided reflection, and Group-2, which was not asked to reflect on the lectures. Post-intervention, a test of 30 multiple choice questions on the selected topics was conducted to compare the level of learning between the groups. After three weeks, the same activity was repeated with the same groups, but with different topics of lectures. Data was analysed using SPSS 21. Of the total 75 students, there were 28 female and 9 male students in Group-1 (Reflectors), 29 female and 9 male students in Group-2 (Non-Reflectors). Overall, there were 18 male and 57 female students. The overall 20.4±0.83 years. The difference between the groups after the first session was not significant (p>0.05). After session 2, Group-1 score was significantly better than that of Group-2 (p<0.05). Reflective practices on teaching sessions at the end of lectures proved to be an effective strategy to achieve outcome-based learning.
Highlights
Reflective practices can contribute to health professional education by assisting students in progressing their clinical skills and augmenting academic performance
Research studies have proven the role of reflective writing within health education. [1, 2] The aptitude of reflecting on a deeper level is a desirable attribute for all health professionals
The subjects were arbitrarily divided into Group-1, which was exposed to guided reflection, and Group-2, which acted as the control group and was not asked to reflect on the lectures
Summary
Reflective practices can contribute to health professional education by assisting students in progressing their clinical skills and augmenting academic performance.Research studies have proven the role of reflective writing within health education. [1, 2] The aptitude of reflecting on a deeper level is a desirable attribute for all health professionals. Reflective practices can contribute to health professional education by assisting students in progressing their clinical skills and augmenting academic performance. Research studies have proven the role of reflective writing within health education. [1, 2] The aptitude of reflecting on a deeper level is a desirable attribute for all health professionals. Different scholars have postulated that by fostering reflective writing, students can be motivated towards deep learning. Reflective education is a perception that accentuates the responsiveness of one's knowledge, previous experiences and beliefs. According to some scholars, reflection involves critical examination of one’s own beliefs and attitudes to develop self-awareness, selfmonitoring and self-regulation. It may help students to deeply understand the topic for future practice with improved problem-solving, action planning capabilities, augmented enthusiasm, selfassurance and communication expertise. It may help students to deeply understand the topic for future practice with improved problem-solving, action planning capabilities, augmented enthusiasm, selfassurance and communication expertise. [5, 6]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: JPMA. The Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
