Page 22 - JRCERT Update Articles
P. 22
JRCERT Update
opportunities to learn with real-world experiences and reflective writing. Reflective writing allows for stu-
2
performance expectations set at high levels dents to think critically about their experiences using
periodic, structured opportunities to reflect and observations, conversations with individuals, and con-
integrate learning tact with other professions. Using this method, physical
time and effort spent by students during an therapy students realized that working together with
extended period other professions can provide the best possible care for
the patient. Radiologic technology educators should
7,15
ePortfolio help students spend more time reflecting on the experi-
Integrating ePortfolios in a radiologic technology ence and the new ideas that could occur because of the
program can create a metacognitive learning experi- experience. Guiding students through self-reflections
ence for students. Metacognitive learning is recognizing can be a way to help students structure their thoughts
concepts that are not understood and selecting learning and critically think about their experiences and what
strategies for a deeper comprehension. With ePort- they learned from those experiences.
10
folios, students can connect textbook knowledge with
professionalism and ethics as it relates to health care Service Learning
and patient care. ePortfolios capture learning during a Service learning or community engagement is a
specific period, which helps develop clinical competen- high-impact practice that allows students to connect
cies by allowing the learner to assess their development real-world experiences to concepts introduced in the
throughout the curriculum. Because of the longi- classroom to meet curriculum goals, deepen student
11
tudinal format of ePortfolios, radiologic technology education, and prepare them for the workforce. 6,16-19
students can showcase their learning journey beginning Service learning experiences can develop the collabora-
with foundational course work. 7,12,13 In addition, educa- tion, communication, critical thinking, and leadership
tors can implement transformative learning by having skills that are sought out by employers. In addition,
4,16
students reflect on the course work and learning activi- service learning provides an opportunity for programs
ties. 7,12,13 Transformative learning is a process for which to develop students’ experiences with cultural diversity,
the learner links didactic and clinical practice, and values and ethics during clinicals, while reflecting on
assimilates new knowledge with previous knowledge to their own personal education growth. Service learning
change their worldview. 14 was conceptualized by John Dewey then progressed
In physical therapy programs, Ciesielkiewicz et into an experimental learning model by David Kolb.
20
al reported that ePortfolios had a positive effect on Hayden and Osborn argued that education is not a
students’ critical learning by connecting first-year expe- one-way street, but participatory and active. In other
16
riences of the program with academic course work and words, the learner can reflect critically on how their
personal experiences. In addition to student learning experience changed their own thinking. 16
5
outcomes, students were able to develop core values The Association of American Colleges and
such as : Universities designated service learning as 1 of the
5
caring top 11 high-impact practices. Service learning offers
21
empathetic behaviors radiologic technology students the opportunity to work
ethical values associated with caring for patients collaboratively to meet a community need, achieve a
social responsibility course outcome, and discover a deeper understanding
Furthermore, students began using the ePortfolio as a of the experience through reflection. For example,
22
study guide for the national exam because it was used to programs with professionalism development as a pro-
store notes, reflective writing, and class projects which gram goal could create a service learning component
demonstrate the students’ learning over time. that allows students to become aware of issues that
According to Chan, physical therapy students found could affect their profession, such as a potential patient’s
that the ePortfolio was a place to store class projects inability to receive a needed diagnostic or therapeutic
RADIOLOGIC TECHNOLOGY, November/December 2021, Volume 93, Number 2 233
Reprinted with permission from the American Society of Radiologic Technologists for educational purposes. ©2021. All rights reserved.
