Page 7 - JRCERT Update Articles

JRCERT Update

experiences using observations and conversations with course. Many of these students reported the powerful
health care professionals that create new ideas because results of networking and educational career success. 14
of the experience. Fischer et al found that student immersion in a
Using a mental model of triple-loop learning for discipline-specific research problem with a mentor lent
reflection, students can further develop core values, itself to highly engaged student learning with students
such as empathetic behaviors and ethical values in each enhancing their inquiry skills. Radiologic sciences stu-
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loop. Single-loop learning and reflection involves stu- dents can begin to develop their own original research
dents recognizing and defining the problem, and then questions or ask additional questions about an existing
asking: What’s next? Double-loop learning and reflec- project. For example, students might be interested in
tion offers the learner intrapersonal awareness whereby determining the types of imaging procedures used to
the learner might begin to see missing behavior traits, reduce radiation dose to patients. In addition, students
personalizing the awareness. Triple-loop learning and might participate in the institutional review board pro-
reflection brings attention to values and beliefs, creat- cess or a grant writing project. Learning to articulate
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ing a mental awareness of skills learned or needed. what is unknown and observed requires students to
For example, triple-loop learning occurs when the dive into the literature, triangulate credible resources,
student recognizes and defines a problem from clinical as well as interpret and apply research data to a prob-
practicums. This type of deep learning and reflection lem. Radiologic sciences students are members of a
helps students improve professional practice through professional community that rely on research to move
behavioral changes. Pairing triple-loop learning with the profession forward while using many components of
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guided self-reflection can yield adequate results, guid- research, such as measurement tools, for the program’s
ing decision-making processes for quality patient care assessment plan. Components of research assessment
while adding depth to the assessment plan. could include a student video on how to do a literature
review measured with a rubric or a timeline on how
Undergraduate Research information is gathered, demonstrating the use of mul-
Undergraduate research is another high-impact tiple sources of data.
practice that actively engages radiologic sciences stu-
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dents in the research process. Students can experience Conclusion
how evidence is generated through research to guide Learning in higher education is complex, and when
practices, inform the radiologic sciences profession, complex phenomena such as critical thinking and
and improve patient care. O’Brien and Hathaway communication skills are used as goals in assessment
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commented that students enrolled in a nursing under- plans, using high-impact practice assessments provides
graduate research course reported positive experiences students with a road map to achieve student-learning
of conducting research. The hands-on learning gave outcomes. 22,30 High-impact practices go beyond meet-
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students the opportunity to participate in grant writing, ing accreditation requirements. Using and assessing
the institutional review board approval process, and the high-impact practices meets students’ needs beyond
publication process, as well as using quantitative and the college experience; high-impact practices shape our
qualitative data. future radiologic sciences graduates to provide quality
The high-impact practice of an undergraduate patient care.
research course broadens student awareness of how
research has an essential role in preparing them for
their academic or professional careers. The University Julie Lasley, PhD, R.T.(R)(T), serves as chair of the
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of Michigan undergraduate research program offered Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic
students the chance to engage with research scientists, Technology board of directors and is the radiation therapy
gather data, and work with faculty and staff to complete program director for Northern Kentucky University in
research projects that began in a first-year experience Highland Heights.

RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY, January/February 2023, Volume 94, Number 3 235
Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for educational purposes. ©2022. All rights reserved.