A study of physiotherapy students’ perception of reflection in learning

Reflection is an active learning process which has been considered to enhance decision-making, critical thinking skills and empathy in healthcare professionals. In many western universities, reflection and reflective practice is a module in itself. In the Indian context, the present physiotherapy curriculum mandates the students to maintain log books of the patients seen in the clinical postings. As reflection is not taught to Indian students, this study was undertaken to introduce students to reflection and assess their perception of reflection in learning.

The study population was physiotherapy interns. An informed consent was taken from the participants. A formal class on reflection was conducted to introduce the topic. The students were given a template to write their reflective work on two cases in their clinical postings and were given 3 weeks to complete the reflective writing. On submission of the reflection, the student's perception on reflection was assessed with perception of reflection questionnaire.

Out of the 27 students who gave consent to the study, 23 students submitted the reflection essay. The results showed that the students perceived reflection activity as useful and all 23 felt that it helps in decision-making and also helps review both positive and negative experiences. The students did not perceive time as a barrier. The students felt that assistance from faculty was needed to identify issues to reflect and to achieve more critical level of reflection.

The students had a positive view on using reflection as a method for learning. It can be considered as a teaching module for undergraduate students to enhance their clinical learning.