Reflective Thinking Research Articles

ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini, SciSpace and Wolfram versus higher education assessments: an updated multi-institutional study of the academic integrity impacts of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) on assessment, teaching and learning in engineering

ABSTRACT More than a year has passed since reports of ChatGPT-3.5’s capability to pass exams sent shockwaves through education circles. These initial concerns led to a multi-institutional and multi-disciplinary study to assess the performance of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) against assessment tasks used across 10 engineering subjects, showcasing the capability of GenAI. Assessment types included online quiz, numerical, oral, visual, programming and writing (experimentation, project, reflection and critical thinking, and research). Twelve months later, the study was repeated using new and updated tools ChatGPT-4, Copilot, Gemini, SciSpace and Wolfram. The updated study investigated the performance and capability differences, identifying the best tool for each assessment type. The findings show that increased performance and features can only heighten academic integrity concerns. While cheating concerns are central, opportunities to integrate GenAI to enhance teaching and learning are possible. While each GenAI tool had specific strengths and weaknesses, ChatGPT-4 was well-rounded. A GenAI Assessment Security and Opportunity Matrix is presented to provide the community practical guidance on managing assessment integrity risks and integration opportunities to enhance learning.

Single session and repeated anodal transcranial direct current stimulation over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex increases reflective thinking but not working memory updating performance

BackgroundAnodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has shown to have effects on different domains of cognition yet there is a gap in the literature regarding effects on reflective thinking performance. ObjectiveThe current study investigated if single session and repeated anodal tDCS over the right DLPFC induces effects on judgment and decision-making performance and whether these are linked to working memory (updating) performance or cognitive inhibition. MethodsParticipants received anodal tDCS over the right DLPFC once (plus sham tDCS in a second session) or twice (24 h apart). In the third group participants received a single session of sham stimulation only. Cognitive characteristic measures were administered pre-stimulation (thinking disposition, impulsivity, cognitive ability). Experimental tasks included two versions of the Cognitive Reflection Test (numeric vs verbal-CRT), a set of incongruent base-rate vignettes, and two working memory tests (Sternberg task and n-back task). Forty-eight participants (mean age = 26.08 ± 0.54 years; 27 females) were recruited. ResultsSingle sessions of tDCS were associated with an increase in reflective thinking performance compared to the sham conditions, with stimulation improving scores on incongruent base rate tasks as well as marginally improving numeric CRT scores (compared to sham), but not thinking tasks without a numeric component (verbal-CRT). Repeated anodal stimulation only improved numeric CRT scores. tDCS did not increase working memory (updating) performance. These findings could not be explained by a practice effect or a priori differences in cognitive characteristics or impulsivity across the experimental groups. ConclusionThe current results demonstrate the involvement of the right DLPFC in reflective thinking performance which cannot be explained by working memory (updating) performance or general cognitive characteristics of participants.

The Accuracy Properties of the Reflective Thinking Index in Polish Language Narratives

The assessment of the Reflective Thinking Index in narratives is considered as an insights indicator of the person constructing a story. The aim of this study was to verify the index validity. 553 adults took part in the study. The respondents wrote a story about their close relationship and filled in questionnaires measuring the state and trait anxiety, depression, and personality disorder traits. In the narratives, all the phrases constituting the Reflective Thinking Index components were counted using a computerized method. Then, a cluster analysis was performed using the k-means method to distinguish types of people with specific index values. Next, it was checked whether the identified subtypes of the index allow differentiating people with an optimistic vision of the situation, high vs low levels of anxiety state/trait, high vs low levels of depressive mood, and various personality disorder traits. To demonstrate index sensitivity, specificity, and precision, ROC curves were analyzed. The results indicate that the Reflective Thinking Index varies depending on the level of state/trait anxiety, optimistic vision of the situation, depressiveness, and education level. High Reflective Thinking is associated with average sensitivity, low specificity, and average precision in the prediction of an optimistic situation vision. The low Reflective Thinking Index is characterized by average sensitivity, low specificity, and average precision in the prediction of state/trait anxiety. The obtained accuracy properties of the Reflective Thinking Index suggest some caution in its application and interpretation.

Comparative analysis of nursing students' reflection levels before and after debriefing in simulation training in South Korea: qualitative analysis design.

To measure the level of reflection, this study analyzes diaries written by third-year nursing students before and after the debriefing stage in simulation training. A qualitative study using diary entries from 15 nursing students to explore reflection depth. Students engaged in simulation training and the debriefing stage, documenting their reflections in diaries. Before and after debriefing, reflections were rated from Level 1 (reflectivity) to Level 7 (theoretical reflectivity). The total number of reflection levels rose significantly from 545 to 829 post-debriefing, enhancing higher-order reflection.The shift signifies a move from superficial to deep reflection, highlighting debriefing's role in fostering critical thinking. The findings underscore the critical role of debriefing in enhancing reflective thinking in nursing education. There is a demonstrated need for further research into the specific elements of debriefing that are most effective at promoting deep reflection. Future studies should conduct comparative analyses of different debriefing methods and approaches across various educational settings. This research could lay the foundation for designing more effective debriefing strategies that foster critical thinking and improve learning outcomes in nursing education.

Moroccan university students’ interest in reflective thinking: the role of age, gender, and academic level

ABSTRACT Given the contemporary global issues and recent advances in technology, 21st-century skills are deemed necessary to successfully adapt to the challenges inherent in today’s world. Reflective thinking is one of the crucial skills for fostering critical thinking, lifelong learning, and employability skills among students. In light of the scarcity of research on reflection in Moroccan higher education, the current study investigates the extent to which Moroccan university students are interested in engaging in reflective thinking and the role of age, gender, and academic level in their interest in reflective thinking. The data are collected from 107 Moroccan English department students. The results indicate the absence of gender-based differences in interest in reflective thinking among the students. Nevertheless, age and academic level significantly differentiate Moroccan university students in terms of their interest in reflective thinking. Building on this, the current study suggests some pedagogical implications for integrating reflective practice in university courses and programs, and highlights several issues that can serve as avenues for future research.

A Study after Compared the View Points and Levels of Competency in Demonstration Delivery among Teacher Educators with and without Prior School Teaching

A wide range of abilities, such as the capacity to observe, communicate, collaborate, make sound judgements, and make decisions, are required in educators. Finding concrete ways that teachers might utilise to promote greater reflective thinking is the primary goal of this research. This will be accomplished by contrasting the amounts of reflective thinking abilities held by veteran educators with those of recently licensed educators. Two new tools, the Reflective Thinking Attributes (RTA) and the Profile of Reflective Thinking Attributes (PRTA) instruments, are developed to evaluate teachers' capacity for reflective thinking. The researchers set out to do just that by providing a detailed account of the choices made by both seasoned educators and those just starting out in the subject as they planned and led two different forms of PE classes. The students' natural inquisitiveness was the primary tool that inexperienced educators used to maintain order in the classroom.

Pedagogical Strategies for the Development of Critical and Reflective Thinking in Students

This article discusses the importance of developing critical and reflective thinking in students in the context of 21st-century education. The research, of a bibliographic and qualitative nature, is based on learning theories, such as constructivism and meaningful learning, and educational theories, such as differentiated pedagogy and self-directed learning. It points to the need to break away from the traditional teaching model and presents pedagogical strategies to promote critical and reflective thinking, such as Problem-Based and Project-Based Learning (PBL), structured debates and discussions, critical analysis of texts, and Socratic questioning. The study highlights the potential of these strategies for developing essential skills for the 21st century, such as autonomy, problem-solving, decision-making, and creativity. Furthermore, it discusses the challenges and opportunities of implementing these strategies on a large scale, emphasizing the need for investments in teacher training and adaptation of school infrastructure.

Higher Education and Citizen Skills

Purpose: Reflect on the importance and impact of citizenship competencies in higher education, taking into account various aspects in society and the world at a political, economic and social level. Methodology: The methodology of the article is based on the reflective qualitative method. Sánchez Silva (2005) defines it as follows: “The reflective tradition privileges values, norms and creates patterns of behavior that favor an analytical and critical attitude aimed at reviewing and evaluating ideas, assumptions, theories and conventional methods” (p.116). ). Furthermore, according to Edmund Husserl (cited by Menéndez, 2012), reflection is fundamental in phenomenology, being one of its main tasks to analyze experiences in an organized way. Results and Conclusions: The integration of citizenship competencies in higher education is essential to develop critical and reflective thinking skills in students, as well as deep awareness and social responsibility. Students not only learn to critically analyze and evaluate information, but also prepare to actively participate in civic and democratic life. This includes the ability to make informed decisions, value diversity and participate in democratic processes, which strengthens social cohesion and promotes more just and equitable communities. Implications: This research provides implications for educational and government policies to continue strengthening Citizen Competencies policies in higher education institutions. Originality/value: This research offers novelty by reflecting on how public policies impact citizen competencies in higher education.

The Influence of Environmental Factors on Photosynthesis - Learning Design and Assessment Plan for a STEM Curriculum

There has been a lot of attention on STEM education, but there is less STEM curriculum for teachers to have a reference point in China. The article proposes a short STEM curriculum for use by teachers in the teaching of the STEM curriculum. The curriculum is for 10th graders. Biology is the main subject integrated with mathematics and chemistry. The article shows specific course content, including 3 different experiments. Experiments in which students participate independently are more likely to sharpen their thinking. Inquiry-based learning is adopted as the educational approach, through which students can discover new causal relationships because students formulate hypotheses and test them by conducting experiments and observations. Additionally inquiry-based learning encourages students to think logically, critically, and analytically, which is helpful in increasing students’ critical thinking. Critical thinking is reasonable and reflective thinking focused on what to believe or do. Students with critical thinking skills can achieve incredible learning outcomes because they can consciously control their goals and attention. There are six dimensions of critical thinking, based on the assignment—experimental report, analysis dimension and explanation dimension will be assessed.

Meta-Analysis Study: Expectations of 21st Century Teaching from Pre-Service Teacher Education Programs

This study aims to investigate the expectations of 21st-century teaching from pre-service teacher education programs and to analyze the contemporary status of pre-service teacher education programs in developing 21st-century teaching skills among prospective teachers. The meta-analysis method was used to analyze previously conducted studies in the context of 21st-century teaching. The findings reveal that, to some extent, pre-service teacher education programs contribute to developing the 21st-century teaching skills by imparting theoretical knowledge, but there is a gap in the application of theory and pedagogical practices. Consequently, there is a pressing need to reconsider the pre-service teacher education programs to inculcate the essential teaching skills for 21st-century, such as collaborative learning, reflective thinking, social and emotional competencies, adaptive skills, communication skills, creativity and entrepreneurship skills, critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and ICT skills for teaching and social networking.

동물기르기와 연계하여 예비유아교사가 제작한 과학그림책 분석

Objectives This study analyzed the themes of science picture books produced by pre-early childhood teachers in connection with their experience raising animals, the composition of stories and picture expressions included in the picture books, and identified problems that may arise when pre-early childhood teachers conduct early childhood science education. We sought to explore implications for early childhood science education classes at early childhood teacher training institutions. Methods We collected animal raising observation logs, individual story boards, production intentions, group story boards and picture books, and individual evaluation sheets from 15 third-year students in the Department of Early Childhood Education at a four-year university in the Gyeongbuk region, focusing on the text and pictures of individual story boards and science picture books. Themes and characteristics were analyzed, and analysis was conducted to find meaning in the individually written production intentions and evaluation sheets. Results First, most of the topics of the individual story boards and group picture books composed by pre-early childhood teachers appeared to deal with the growth process of animals, and topics related to the preciousness of life and love of nature were not included. Second, the pre-early childhood teachers composed stories and expressed them with pictures based on what they observed, but it was confirmed that some of the content and picture expressions contained scientific errors or were different from what was observed. Conclusions Picture book-making activities linked to raising animals are the same as writing observation logs, composing individual story boards, producing and sharing picture books for each group, and writing peer evaluation sheets. By providing opportunities for repeated reflective thinking, pre-early childhood teachers can check for errors in their practical knowledge. It is an effective teaching method that can help form correct scientific knowledge.

Integrating feedback mechanisms and ChatGPT for VR-based experiential learning: impacts on reflective thinking and AIoT physical hands-on tasks

ABSTRACT This study investigates the application of Virtual Reality (VR) in the educational field, particularly its integration with GAI technologies such as ChatGPT to enhance the learning experience. The research indicates that while VR provides an immersive learning environment fostering student interaction and interest, the lack of a structured learning framework and personalized feedback may limit its educational effectiveness and potentially affect the transfer of VR-learned knowledge to physical hands-on tasks. Hence, it calls for the provision of more targeted and personalized feedback in VR learning environments. Through a randomized controlled trial (RCT), this study collected data from 77 university students, integrating experiential learning in VR for acquiring AIoT knowledge and practical skills, and compared the effects of traditional feedback versus GPT feedback on promoting reflective thinking, learning motivation, cognitive levels, and AIoT hands-on abilities among the students. The results show that the group receiving GPT feedback significantly outperformed the control group across these learning indicators, demonstrating the effectiveness of GAI technologies in providing personalized learning support, facilitating deep learning, and enhancing educational outcomes. This study offers new insights into the integration of GAI technology in VR learning environments, paving new pathways for the development and application of future educational technologies.

Empowering Medical Education: Unveiling the Impact of Reflective Writing and Tailored Assessment on Deep Learning.

Reflective thinking offers learners insight and encourages deeper understanding by leveraging past experiences. This study explores the impact of reflective writing, a self-assessment tool, on undergraduate medical students. The focus is on training students using author-specific reflection rubrics based on Moon's model. A mixed-methods study involving 32 volunteered students undertaking an interactive 3-hour session on reflective thinking and writing (RT&W). 19 students submitted reflections, which were self-graded by students and two faculties independently. The perceptions of students were gathered through questionnaires and focus group discussions. The analysis was done using the mean, inter-class correlational coefficient, and thematic analysis. Inter-rater reliability and inter-class correlation coefficient for reflective writing rubric scores was 63.2%, i.e. below the acceptable threshold. Cronbach's Alpha for the learner perception questionnaire was 0.90. The outcome of the student's perception questionnaire recognized the value of reflective writing in terms of professional skills enhancement (4.83±0.39) and improvement after feedback (4.17±0.72). However, satisfaction with overall training was comparatively lower (2.5±0.52). Focus group discussions revealed six themes. Reflective writing enhances the learning outcomes, deepens understanding, and refines judgment. The author-specific reflection rubric, though reliable, warrants empirical validation with a larger and more diverse participant pool. Undergraduate programs should prioritize mastery of reflection and meta-cognitive learning approaches to optimize educational outcomes.

The impact of teacher autonomy support on students’ assessment literacy: The chain mediating effects of self-efficacy and critical reflection

In the realm of classroom assessment, the shift towards “assessment as learning” underscores the pivotal role of students in developing assessment literacy. This study aims to bridge the gap in the literature by examining the understudied area of students' assessment literacy. The author introduces a novel chain mediation effect structure model to investigate the interactions between teacher autonomy support, self-efficacy, critical reflection, and students' assessment literacy. The sample comprises 704 high school students from central China, with an even gender distribution (321 boys and 383 girls), which provides a robust dataset for analysis. By utilizing the Student Evaluative Scale, Critical Reflection Scale, and Self-Efficacy Scale, the study reveals a significant and positive correlation between teacher autonomy support and the level of assessment literacy among students. Furthermore, the findings indicate that self-efficacy and critical reflection act as mediators in the relationship between teacher autonomy support and students' assessment literacy. This suggests that educators who foster an environment of autonomy, empowering students to take ownership of their learning, can significantly enhance students' belief in their own abilities (self-efficacy) and their capacity for reflective thinking, thereby improving students’ assessment literacy. The study concludes with concrete suggestions for classroom practice and identifies avenues for future research to further refine our understanding of the complex interplay between teacher support, student self-efficacy, critical reflection, and assessment literacy.

Effect of the driver model on reflective thinking and teaching some basic basketball skills to students

Effect of the driver model on reflective thinking and teaching some basic basketball skills to students

Identifying, Understanding, and Minimizing Unconscious Cognitive Biases in Perioperative Crisis Management: A Narrative Review.

Rapid clinical decision-making behavior is often based on pattern recognition and other mental shortcuts. Although such behavior is often faster than deliberative thinking, it can also lead to errors due to unconscious cognitive biases (UCBs). UCBs may contribute to inaccurate diagnoses, hamper interpersonal communication, trigger inappropriate clinical interventions, or result in management delays. The authors review the literature on UCBs and discuss their potential impact on perioperative crisis management. Using the Scale for the Assessment of Narrative Review Articles (SANRA), publications with the most relevance to UCBs in perioperative crisis management were selected for inclusion. Of the 19 UCBs that have been most investigated in the medical literature, the authors identified 9 that were judged to be clinically relevant or most frequently occurring during perioperative crisis management. Formal didactic training on concepts of deliberative thinking has had limited success in reducing the presence of UCBs during clinical decision-making. The evolution of clinical decision support tools (CDSTs) has demonstrated efficacy in improving deliberative clinical decision-making, possibly by reducing the intrusion of maladaptive UCBs and forcing reflective thinking. Anesthesiology remains a leader in perioperative crisis simulation and CDST implementation, but spearheading innovations to reduce the adverse impact of UCBs will further improve diagnostic precision and patient safety during perioperative crisis management.

Reflective and critical thinking as determinants of academic achievement: A study in physical education and sport teacher candidates

This study examined the relationship between reflective thinking and academic achievement in physical education and sports teaching students. The research aimed to investigate to what extent the reflective and critical thinking tendencies of prospective physical education and sports teachers explain academic achievement. Based on John Dewey's vital and reflective thinking approaches, considered among thinking skills, an answer to this question was sought. A traditional and positivist paradigm was adopted as the research model, and a quantitative research approach was used. The study was designed with the relational method, and the relationship between critical and reflective thinking dispositions of physical education and sports teacher candidates and their academic achievement was analysed. The study group consisted of 200 participants studying in the first, second, third and fourth grades of the physical education and sports teaching program. The mean age of the participants was 22.20±2.98; 44.5% exercised regularly, and 49% were licensed athletes. Data collection tools included personal information forms, academic achievement grouping, the Critical Thinking Scale, and the Reflective Thinking Scale. The Critical Thinking Scale was adapted to Turkish using a two-dimensional model. The Reflective Thinking Scale has four sub-dimensions. The Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated that some items were not suitable due to high error variances and cross-loading. After removing these items based on expert opinions, the remaining items in the reflection and critical reflection dimensions showed very good factor loadings. The reliability coefficients for the scale were satisfactory. Final year students scored higher in critical reflection and reflective thinking than third-grade students. No significant difference was found in critical openness, reflective skepticism, and critical thinking. Male physical education and sports teacher candidates scored higher in reflection, critical reflection, and reflective thinking tendency than their female counterparts. Consequently, the findings show that reflective thinking can potentially increase academic achievement in prospective physical education and sports teachers. These findings emphasize that developing thinking skills should be a priority in education programs.

The Role of Al-Quran Literacy in Deepening Understanding of Islamic Religious Education

This research focuses on the role of Al-Qur’an literacy in deepening students’ understanding of Islamic Religious Education and developing their moral and ethical character. This research explores how Al-Qur’an literacy functions as a reading skill and a tool for developing critical, reflective thinking and a holistic understanding of Islamic teachings. This research uses qualitative methods, including interviews, observation, and documentation techniques, to explore Al-Qur’an literacy experiences, perceptions, and practices at Middle School. The research results show that Al-Qur’an literacy significantly impacts understanding Islamic Religious Education material and developing students’ character. However, this research also identified challenges in implementation, such as a need for more time allocation in the curriculum and variations in reading skill levels among students. The implications of this research emphasize the need for adaptive learning strategies and additional support to increase the effectiveness of Al-Qur’an literacy in religious education.

Addressing the Decline in Clinical Skills: A Call for Comprehensive Educational Reform

Despite technological advances, clinical skills are the foundation of medical practice. Taking a comprehensive clinical history, performing physical examinations, and communicating effectively are crucial for high-quality patient care. Medical students need to focus on developing strong clinical skills to ensure they are well-prepared for their careers and adapt to the evolving field of medicine through continual practice and refinement.1 The medical community is worried about declining essential clinical skills among undergraduate medical students.2,3 This editorial aims to analyze the reasons for the decline and suggest evidence-based methods to address the situation. 05885.0258063. The declining standards of clinical skills among medical students can be attributed to the widespread adoption of technology-based learning, which has the potential to diminish the importance of traditional hands-on bedside teaching.4 Technology should enhance, not replace, practical clinical experiences. Practical training improves the clinical abilities, expertise, and self-assurance of medical students.5 Moreover, the growing magnitude and expansion of medical curricula provide difficulties in the development of educational programs without ample time for bedside practical teaching.6,7 There is frequently an excessive focus on remembering facts rather than on cultivating clinical reasoning abilities.8 The reduced patient interaction during medical school, due to increased reliance on simulations and less time in clinical rotations and bedside teaching, hampers the development of clinical skills.9 External factors such as limited time and extensive paperwork may affect the quality of patient encounters. Efficient communication is crucial for building good relationships with patients, obtaining accurate medical histories, and ensuring patient understanding and adherence to treatment.9 Insufficient training in communication skills can result in less-than-ideal interactions between patients and healthcare providers and can also contribute to errors in diagnosis and medical treatment.10 The provision of trained faculty for teaching medical students is an issue worldwide. Insufficient supervision and feedback during clinical rotations hinder the development of essential clinical skills.11 Larger student cohorts reduce the opportunities for individual students to practice and receive personalized instruction in clinical skills.12 Medical education often prioritizes theoretical testing over practical examinations and undervalues communication skills training. Variability in clinical experiences at different medical schools can lead to inconsistencies in skill acquisition. The scarcity of skilled clinicians as role models impacts students’ learning. Economic constraints and modern healthcare pressures limit opportunities for thorough patient interactions and clinical training.13 THE WAY FORWARD Educational institutions should prioritize hands-on clinical experiences throughout the curriculum to improve students’ diagnostic and communication abilities. These experiences should include simulation-based learning, standardized patients, and longitudinal clerkships. Faculty members need support and resources for effective clinical mentorship and development. Reflective practice should be integrated into the curriculum to enhance self-awareness and critical thinking. Open communication and mentorship programs between students and faculty can strengthen medical training and promote continual learning. To address declining clinical proficiency among medical students, institutions can adopt evidence-based approaches including curriculum changes, faculty training, promoting reflective thinking, collaboration among healthcare professionals, and fostering a culture of ongoing learning. Regulatory bodies should ensure adequate time for bedside teaching and appropriate assessment weightage.

Development of Spiritual Intelligence through the Learning of Aqidah Akhlak (Case Study of Madrasah Aliyah YTP Kertosono)

This article aims to elucidate the process of developing spiritual intelligence through learning in an Islamic high school (madrasah aliyah). Therefore, understanding of ethics and spirituality must be established as its foundation. In this madrasah, spiritual intelligence is cultivated through various methods, one of which is through the subject of aqidah akhlak (ethics and morality). This research adopts a qualitative field research approach, which involves procedures that generate descriptive data in the form of written or spoken words and observed behaviors. Data collection techniques include participant observation, in-depth interviews, and documentation. Data analysis employs reflective thinking (data reduction, data presentation, conclusion drawing). Data validity is checked through researcher involvement extension, observation diligence, triangulation, and auditing. The study reveals that planning begins with setting learning objectives, selecting methods, choosing media, and evaluation, all of which are accommodated in the lesson plans (RPP) derived from the syllabus, curriculum framework (prota), and annual program (promes). This investigation also finds that the implementation of this planning involves an emotional approach, where educators attempt to activate the affective domain of learners. Building positive behaviors among learners is done repeatedly using dogmatic, deductive, and inductive methods. The study also presents several outcomes after the implementation of the planning, such as a more conducive learning environment, improvement in the moral and spiritual aspects of learners, prevention of negative behaviors, control of learners' emotions, and the cultivation of strong aqidah and virtuous behavior among learners.