Knowledge translation: The role and place of practice reflection

Abstract

Reflection is the mechanism by which we contemplate and try to understand relatively complex and sometimes troubling ideas for which there is no obvious solution. Reflection allows us to transform current ideas and experiences into new knowledge and action. Personal experiences and organizational feedback can trigger reflection, whereas a lack of time, available colleagues, and social networks detract from the ability professionals have to reflect. Educational programs can encourage reflection through the judicious use of case-based discussion, formal and informal needs assessments, and commitment to change exercises. Learning journals and personal learning projects are self-directed methods that facilitate reflection. In the workplace, critical incident techniques and debriefing of cases provide opportunities for thoughtful inquiry. Additional study is needed to understand how and why reflection works to transform surface learning into deep learning and change in practice; how reflection enhances the integration of reading, collegial interchange, and classroom discussion into practice; and how technology can enhance reflection.

Fostering students’ reflection about bias in healthcare: Cognitive dissonance and the role of personal and normative standards

“…The IAT itself is inherently normative; results are provided in comparison to others. Consistent with published literature (Kember et al 1996;Lockyer et al 2004), group discussion often served as a secondary trigger for continued or additional reflection, through exposure to a diversity of beliefs and observations. When those beliefs or observations were offered in conjunction with comparison to personal standards, other students were sometimes motivated to consider their own personal standards.…”

Use of personal digital assistants (PDAs) in reflection on learning and practice

“…38 Reflection, as a form of mental processing, 39 allows physicians to make information and knowledge more meaningful. 40 Several studies have demonstrated that diaries~computerized or paper-and-pencil! assist physicians in recording and reflecting on their learning activities.…”

The role of reflection in implementing learning from continuing education into practice

“…Although numerous theoretical contributions to the current understanding of reflection have been developed, [6][7][8][9][10][11][12] there are several challenges to using these models when considering how health professionals use reflection to implement learning from short courses into practice. First, most are based on student populations, student-teacher dyads, or learning through practice rather than short course learning.…”