Presenting a united front: assessed reflective writing on a group experience

Abstract

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The use of technology in group-work: A situational analysis of students' reflective writing

“…This would usually mean any suggested times for meetings would often change at the last minute causing confusion and having to move around plans to suit group members.Ó (16) However there was also reflection on what the ÒbestÓ method of communication should be for that group e.g.…”

“…Reflection is seen to be an important aspect of professional practice [16] and as such it should be included in professional education. Boud [17] states ÒReflection involves learners processing their experiences in a wide range of ways, exploring their understanding of what they are doing, why they are doing it and the impact it has on themselves and othersÉ.reflection is intrinsic to learningÓ (p. 23).…”

“…There are a limited number of studies that used reflective writing as data to understand group processes and behaviors [16], [26], [27] . This study adds to that body of work but provides originality in analytical process that has been adopted.…”

“…Students, faced with the uncomfortable, messy and self critical situation of not being able to present their ÔbestÕ work, simply write what they think the assessor wishes to read [16], [21], [51]. It can be awkward for students to admit personal weakness, and so instead they ascribe problems to the group as a whole, or simply present a positive and non-critical account of their group work [16].…”

“…Students, faced with the uncomfortable, messy and self critical situation of not being able to present their ÔbestÕ work, simply write what they think the assessor wishes to read [16], [21], [51]. It can be awkward for students to admit personal weakness, and so instead they ascribe problems to the group as a whole, or simply present a positive and non-critical account of their group work [16]. However despite these difficulties, reflective writing has been used successfully as data for research into student learning in the Higher Education context [52] In this review the literature that explores the tension between the acknowledged long-term benefits of group working, and the potentially unfair and difficult experiences of students undertaking group has been presented.…”