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ERIC Number: EJ1134152
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2017
Pages: 18
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: EISSN-1918-2902
EISSN: N/A
Evaluating the Implementation and Effectiveness of Reflection Writing
Boutet, Isabelle; Vandette, Marie-Pier; Valiquette-Tessier, Sophie-Claire
Canadian Journal for the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, v8 n1 Article 8 2017
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.
University of Western Ontario and Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. Mills Memorial Library Room 504, McMaster University, 1280 Main Street West, Hamilton, ON L8S 4L6, Canada. Tel: 905-525-9140; e-mail: info@cjsotl-rcacea.ca; Web site: http://www.cjsotl-rcacea.ca/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research; Tests/Questionnaires
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Canada (Ottawa)
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A