21 / 21
Nursing Education 2018
Journal of Nursing and Health Studies
ISSN: 2574-2825
Page 73
April 23-25, 2018
Rome, Italy
27
th
Edition of World Congress on
Nursing Education &
Research
Introduction:
Reflection is a meta-cognitive process where
a person consciously thinks about his/her own thinking. It is
of crucial importance during the learning process. The use of
reflection as a teaching strategy can be utilized as an innovative
tool to enhance student’s ability to think critically. Thinking
processes are developed and problem-solving skills established
through reflection. Reflection must be used during class and in
the clinical field. Reflective journals consist of memory, indicating
opinions, perceptions, patterns and trends.
Methods:
Reflection as learning tool was introduced to students
in the beginning of the academic year. The students were asked
to write their reflection in a journal on a daily basis. It was posted
on Blackboard. Blackboard is an internet assisted educational
programme and can be utilized by students in a safe environment.
Timely feedback on a regular basis is made possible. Reflective
journals were the data collection tools. Census sampling provided
33 students who gave consent to participate.
Results:
Qualitative data from reflective journals were analyzed
with Tesch’s method. Results proofed significant positive results
regarding the students learning experiences and group learning.
The interaction with peers proofed positive and motivating.
Conclusion:
Reflection is of high importance for all health care
professionals and facilitates thinking about clinical experiences.
Reflection must be reinforced by clinical accompaniment. If
reflection is used in the clinical field, the lecturer can facilitate the
link between theory and the sickness processes of the patient and
in doing so develop critical thinking of students. Facilitation of the
reflective cycle with clear instructions is imperative from the first
year of study.
yolinda.uys@smu.ac.zaBarbara Yolinda Uys
Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, South Africa
Reflection as tool for the facilitation of critical thinking
J Nurs Health Stud 2018, Volume 3
DOI: 10.21767/2574-2825-C1-003