Reflective writing in social sciences: challenges and opportunities for medical students

Abstract

An application of Bologna Process parameters in the classroom setting requires new skills on the part of students. One of these significant skills is the ability to reflect upon one’s learning path, which provides an opportunity for students to enhance their knowledge, and, moreover, make pivotal changes in their professional field. Thus, students would benefit greatly from reflective learning skills being harnessed at the early stage of their learning. Aim. This study aims to explore students’ reflections and interpretations of their learning through writing essays. Methodology and research methods. This study employed a survey design with open-ended questions in which 14 out of 23 students participated. In addition, two individual inter-views were conducted, and 345 weekly essays and 23 final student reflections were analyzed. Results. Research results found that over 50% of respondents indicated that they had ac-quired reflective skills as they reflected on their content learning and writing and reading skills. Indeed, 96% of respondents demonstrated a positive understanding of the structure of the essay; however, their reflections remained at the descriptive level, in contrast to an expected change in their learning approach.