Perceptions of reflective practice among recent Australian radiation therapy graduates

Abstract

Reflective practice has been established as playing a critical role in advancing and improving skills, knowledge and practice amongst professionals. Elements of reflective practice are encouraged during radiation therapy student education, yet improved student engagement may facilitate greater translation of this reflective activity into postgraduate clinical practice. This study aims to identify some of the perceptions about reflective practice among recently graduated radiation therapists and their recommendations for improving student engagement with structured reflection. Further, it is suggested that the learning goals of radiation therapy students and their ongoing professional development goals may be better supported through development of understanding, knowledge and skills in reflective practice among the broader community of clinical radiation therapists.

A peek into oneself: reflective writing amongst undergraduate Medical Imaging students

“…The findings by Brackenridge (2007) are in line with the fact that students are better able to write if they are equipped with a template to guide reflective writing. McAllister, Lincoln, & McLeod (1997) also found that providing students with a structured guidance to reflection improved or rather facilitated their reflective writing.…”

“…This is supported by Lim & Low (2008) who reported that students in their research used Bahasa Melayu (the national language in Malaysia) in their general education and had a problem with the English language as it was a second language for them. This is further strengthened by the findings of Brackenridge (2007) that most students maintained the reflective writing only because it was a mandatory requirement.…”

“…Students mentioned that they needed additional information. This corresponds with Brackenridge (2007) that students desired a detailed explanation by their university educators, and this could be enhanced further by examples of relevant reflective tools and samples of effectively written reflections.…”

Graduate Reflective Practice Program: Were Long-term Objectives Achieved?

“…Reflective journaling and maintaining a reflective diary or portfolio are activities that have been incorporated into undergraduate radiation therapy programs in Australia. Despite the widespread use of reflective tools in undergraduate programs, Brackenridge [12] reports that at least half the graduates who responded to a survey regarding their use of reflective practice after university acknowledged using a reflective tool could enhance their practice skills; however, 20% did not see how maintaining a reflective tool could improve their overall clinical performance. Furthermore, some participants even reported that they felt the whole experience of reflection was a waste of time.…”

Radiotherapy educational research: a decade of innovation

“…Teaching and assessment 19 of reflective practice rationale, theory and models is now only one component of personal skills development. Research 20 links reflective practice to self-awareness elements of EI.…”