Evaluating the Implementation and Effectiveness of Reflection Writing
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.5206/cjsotl-rcacea.2017.1.8Abstract
There is ample theoretical justification for incorporating reflection exercises as a tool for preparing students for life beyond university, yet the utility of such exercises needs to be documented if resources are to be devoted to their implementation. This study describes the implementation and evaluates the effectiveness of a reflection exercise that was introduced in an entry-level undergraduate psychology course. Students completed four periodic reflection journals and submitted an essay summarizing their progress as learner at the end of the semester using examples from the journals to support their reflection. Multiple qualitative analysis methods were used to measure the reflective content of the summary essays. The analyses support the effectiveness of the exercise in promoting reflection on the process of learning including strengths, weaknesses, learning strategies, competence, efforts, and emotions. In addition, reviewing the reflective essays provided the instructor with invaluable insight into the students’ experience. We conclude that reflection writing can be incorporated in undergraduate studies to encourage the development of life-long learning skills with reasonable time requirements. Suggestions for modes of implementation as well as future avenues of research are discussed.
Il existe une ample justification théorique à l’incorporation d’exercices de réflexion en tant qu’outils pour préparer les étudiants à la vie après l’université, et pourtant l’utilité de tels exercices a besoin d’être documentée avant de consacrer des ressources à leur mise en oeuvre. Cette étude décrit la mise en oeuvre et évalue l’efficacité d’un exercice de réflexion qui a été présenté dans un cours de premier cycle en psychologie. Les étudiants ont complété quatre journaux de réflexion personnelle au cours du semestre et à la fin du cours, ils ont rédigé un essai dans lequel ils ont résumé leurs progrès en tant qu’apprenants en utilisant des exemples tirés de leurs journaux pour soutenir leur réflexion. Plusieurs méthodes d’analyse qualitative ont été utilisées pour mesurer le contenu réflectif des essais. Les analyses soutiennent l’efficacité de l’exercice pour favoriser la réflexion sur le processus d’apprentissage, y compris les forces, les faiblesses, les stratégies d’apprentissage, la compétence, les efforts et les émotions. De plus, le fait d’avoir examiné les essais de réflexion a fourni à l'instructeur des indications d’une valeur inestimable sur l’expérience des étudiants. Nous concluons que la rédaction réflective peut être incorporée dans les études de premier cycle pour encourager le développement de compétences d’apprentissage qui serviront tout au long de la vie et ce selon des exigences raisonnables quant au temps requis. Des suggestions de divers modes de mise en oeuvre ainsi que d’avenues pour des recherches futures sont également discutées.
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