TABLE 3.
Students’ opinions on reflection essays to discuss social issues
| Student opinion | % (n) | Example quotes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benefits to inside the classroom | Consolidate learning | 21.1% (126) | “I think they were very helpful as it allowed us to reflect on the content that was performed for the week and share thoughts in order to test our understandings.” (Student 1746) |
| Self-expression | 15.7% (94) | “I think that the reflection essays fostered a space where I could express my personal sentiments. It is a very thought-provoking activity, and I appreciate them.” (Student 3796) | |
| Low stress | 9.7% (58) | “I liked that they were graded based on participation so I didn’t have to worry about whether I addressed a certain thing and just write freely about what I thought.” (Student 6354) | |
| Novel experience | 6.4% (38) | “It was one of the first courses I have taken that distributed that much time to discussing biology’s application to different social issues, and I thought it was very interesting.” (Student 2227) | |
| Benefits to outside the classroom | Connect to social issues | 29.1% (174) | “I enjoyed writing the reflection essays in this course. They allowed me to think outside the scientific zone and explore really important social issues. The self-reflection has brought to light what I have experienced and also what I have not but know that others have. This perspective is really important to have when learning about science that affects everyone from all races, skin types, and backgrounds.” (Student 4471) |
| Relevance to personal life | 21.8% (130) | “I think these essays are very great ways to reflect on new ideas and scientific methods that we may not learn outside of the class. Learning about specific parts of science is very interesting and can be very applicable to our daily lives such as applying sun screen and clothing.” (Student 3380) | |
| Address social issues | 1.2% (7) | “The reflection essays helped me see my own views on societal bias, and how I can change or reinforce my views with scientific evidence. Seeing how I’ve changed some of these views, I look forward to taking a more educated approach to my own views, rather than what I have received at face value from others.” (Student 6449) | |
| Other | Minimal positivity | 9.7% (58) | “They were fun to complete.” (Student 5204) |
| Not beneficial | 3.4% (20) | “They were okay. I feel like I didn't get much out of them.” (Student 4329) |