Evaluate the benefits of early embedding reflective practice into student experience and personal skill development

Abstract

Transferable skills are embedded within assessments throughout Higher Education such as organisation, timekeeping and working as part of a team (during groups assessments) amongst some of the skills. Despite this, there is little evidence to suggest that students are fully aware of the importance of reflective practice upon their personal development as a possible transferable skill.

In this study, we aimed to assess if and what students understood by the term ‘reflective practice’, and whether they identify its practice and benefits within their studies and for their potential future careers. Quantitative data, was collected during the first teaching block of the 2021-2022 academic year using specific reflective based questions in a paper-based questionnaire, with results indicating that students who undertook our foundation route, which instilled reflective practice-based assessments were more used to reflective practice than standard degree entry students, and emphasised skill development through reflection; confidence to tackle new task (38%), time management (25%), effective communication (25%) and prioritising tasks (13%). The data also suggested that across all levels of our degrees, students preferred to reflect once feedback of an assessment was received (60%) and after personal tutor meetings (43%), meaning, we as an institution should adapt our practice to develop this further. Embedding reflective practice early in a student’s educational curriculum, could therefore enhance how students approach their course, by providing them with key reflective based skills which they can transfer to their journey within Higher Education and their career.