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Lefroy, J, Walters, B, Molyneux, A and Smithson, S (2021) Can learning from workplace feedback be enhanced by reflective writing? A realist evaluation in UK undergraduate medical education. Education for Primary Care. ISSN 1367-8523
written reflection paper for EPC accepted.pdf - Accepted Version
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Can learning from workplace feedback be enhanced by reflective writing A realist evaluation in UK undergraduate medical education.pdf - Published Version
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Abstract
Introduction Doctors and medical students in the UK are currently required to provide evidence of learning by reflective writing on (among other things) feedback from colleagues. Although the theoretical value of reflecting-on-action is clear, research is still needed to know how to realise the potential of written reflection in medical education. This study arose out of efforts to improve medical student engagement with a reflective writing exercise. We used realist methodology to explain the disinclination of the majority to do written reflection on workplace feedback, and the benefits to the minority. Method Realist evaluation is a suitable approach to researching complex interventions which have worked for some and not for others. Focus groups were held over a three-year period with year 3 and 4 students. Focus group transcripts were coded for context-mechanism-outcome configurations (the realist approach to analysing data) explaining students’ choice not to write a reflection, to write a ‘tick-box’ reflection or to write for learning. A sub-set of eight students’ reflections were also analysed to ascertain evidence of learning through reflection. Results and Discussion 27 students participated in 4 focus groups. Three summary theories emerged showing the importance of context. Firstly, written reflection is effortful and benefits those who invest in it for intrinsic reasons in situations when they need to think more deeply about a learning event. Secondly, following a reflective feedback discussion writing a reflection may add little because the learning has already taken place. Thirdly, external motivation tends to result in writing a ‘tick-box’ reflection.
Item Type: | Article |
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Additional Information: | © 2021 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group. This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-ncnd/4.0/), which permits non-commercial re-use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited, and is not altered, transformed, or built upon in any way |
Uncontrolled Keywords: | Reflective practice; written reflection; workplace assessment; learning from feedback; undergraduate medical education |
Subjects: | L Education > L Education (General) L Education > LB Theory and practice of education L Education > LB Theory and practice of education > LB2300 Higher Education R Medicine > R Medicine (General) > R735 Medical education. Medical schools. Research |
Divisions: | Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences > School of Medicine |
Depositing User: | Symplectic |
Date Deposited: | 30 Apr 2021 07:46 |
Last Modified: | 04 Jun 2021 12:55 |
URI: | https://eprints.keele.ac.uk/id/eprint/9401 |