Teaching and Learning Resources

Teaching Materials

Sample B

Reflective essay

My patient Mr. Chan was diagnosed with generalized severe periodontitis. He had visible plaque and bleeding on probing on all his teeth. I told Mr. Chan that without improving his oral hygiene, his periodontal disease would never be under control, and he was on the path to losing all his teeth (1). The first step to managing his periodontal disease was to give him oral hygiene instructions (2).	QR4B There are a few mechanical problems and inconsistencies in the reference list and citations.Two sources are sited here to support the writer’s rationale of treatment which aids later critical reflection. However, the in-text citations are in the incorrect format.
I started by asking him to demonstrate how he brushed his teeth. While he was doing so, I carefully observed his technique. I noticed he was using a lot of force and large scrubbing motion to brush his teeth. He had also placed the toothbrush head too occlusally and was unable to clean the plaque which had accumulated near the gingiva. Although the brushing technique was not up to the standard required, I nodded my head in encouragement.	LO4B A wide range of vocabulary is almost always used accurately and consistently (e.g. text includes hedging devices and hypothetical language).The writer’s attempt to use a variety of words to deliver his thoughts demonstrates his fairly wide vocabulary. Most of the expressions are accurate and vivid yet there are some improper collocations, e.g., ‘large scrubbing motion’, ‘nodded my head in encouragement’.
After his demonstration I gave him two main points to work on. The first point was to focus on one tooth for about 2 seconds before moving on to the next tooth. Keeping this in mind, he was able to brush with a smaller motion, and I observed the teeth were noticeably cleaner than they were the first time. I was very satisfied and felt relieved that the patient was willing to improve and follow my instructions.	QR1A Consistently demonstrates the ability to observe, explore and analyse feelings, experience and thoughts at an in-depth level. The writer expresses his satisfaction and relief when the education was successful.
The second point was to place the toothbrush head at the correct position near the gums. However, he seemed to have a lot of difficulty doing so, frequently placing it too far from the gingiva. I continued to correct his positioning by holding his hand and showing him where to place the toothbrush. I even drew a picture to explain to him the correct position. He appeared to understand but was unable to replicate it in his mouth. At this point I was getting frustrated. Although I did not show any of my negative emotions, I felt a bit annoyed as I had spent over 30 minutes demonstrating patiently to him.	QR2B Describing most scenarios in detail with adequate explanation of and justification for realisations of problems and specific clinical learning points. A detailed description of the scenario is provided here. It demonstrates the writer’s ability to evaluate and overcome the difficulties, e.g., ‘However he seemed to have a lot of difficulty doing so’ and ‘I even drew a picture to explain’. QR1A Consistently demonstrates the ability to observe, explore and analyse feelings, experience and thoughts at an in-depth level.The writer again describes his emotions and thoughts with comprehensive elaboration.
After this treatment session, I asked myself what I could have done better. Why was I unable to transfer my oral hygiene knowledge to my patients? This really bothered me, as I truly felt patients’ ability to maintain good oral hygiene was more important than any dental prosthesis I could provide for them, as the latter would inevitably fail without the former. Upon reflection, I realized I had succeeded on teaching him the first point but failed on the second point. I was very specific in telling him to brush tooth by tooth but gave very imprecise instructions when it came to the positioning of the toothbrush.	QR3B Provides some evidence of critical reflection (e.g. through questioning / hypothesising).Questions are used here to elicit critical reflection. It demonstrates the writer comes to the realization that his unclear instructions have led to the problem. LO3C Written language is generally accurate. Errors, when they occur, are more often in complex grammar and there is evidence of accuracy of simple grammar although this is not sustained throughout the whole text.The highlighted is a lengthy run-on sentence that compromises legibility. Moreover, the writer misuses the word ‘felt’.
Now, two years later, I am proud to say Mr. Chan has done an excellent job in cleaning his teeth and his periodontal disease is under control. He has told me how grateful he is for my careful and detailed guidance on oral hygiene maintenance, and that I have motivated him to teach his wife and son the correct method to brush their teeth too. I have often been told that as a healthcare provider, there is nothing more satisfying than seeing the positive changes on patients’ lives, and now, I completely agree with that.	LO1B The text is nearly always coherent and well structured.The text overall is organized as it follows chronological order. However, linking devices are rarely used. The expression ‘Now, two years later’ may be ambiguous. LO2C The attempt demonstrates only some instances of effective use of key reflective writing features to realize the key moves of the genre The Gibb’s reflective cycle is not fully incorporated in the essay. It stops at the analysis step highlighted in yellow. The writer could include what else he can do differently in the situation and formulate an action plan. QR4B There are a few mechanical problems and inconsistencies in the reference list and citations. Titles and journal volume in the reference list should be italicized. Capitalization is only required for the first word of the title. Referencing style is inconsistent.

References:

Lertpimonchai A, Rattanasiri S, Arj-Ong Vallibhakara S, Attia J, Thakkinstian A. The association between oral hygiene and periodontitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Int Dent J [Internet]. 2017 Dec;67(6):332–43. Available from: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0020653920318554
Lang N, Lindhe J. Clinical Periodontology and Implant Dentistry, 2 Volume Set. Sixth. Wiley-Blackwell; 2015. 622 p.

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Booklist

Title: 怎樣作文: 寫出好文章的技巧

Author: 林清標

Publisher:文經出版社有限公司

Reference: 林清標. (1993). 怎樣作文: 寫出好文章的技巧. Wen jing chu ban she you xian gong si.

ISBN: 9576630355

Title: 實用寫作的情感

Author: 宋德福

Publisher:北京師範大學出版社

Reference: 宋德福. (2006). 实用写作的情感 (Di 1 ban.; 第1版. ed.). 北京: 北京师范大学出版社.

ISBN: 7303067361

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Author: 龍吟

Publisher:暨南大學出版社

Reference: 龙吟., & 龙吟. (2012). 汉语表达与中文写作 = Chinese expression (Di 1 ban.; 第1版. ed.). 广州: 暨南大学出版社.

ISBN: 9787566803436

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Author: 何偉幟

Publisher:萬里機構。萬里書店

Reference: Ho, V. W. C. (2013). 跟喬布斯學 PowerPoint 演說: 個人及小組簡報演講策略.

ISBN: 9789621451200

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Author: 林文琪

Publisher: 五南圖書出版股份有限公司

Reference: 林文琪. (2019). 我寫.我思.我在 : 反思寫作教學的理論與實踐 = Reflective writing (Chu ban.; 初版. ed.). 台北市: 五南圖書出版股份有限公司.

ISBN: 9789577633118

Title: Developing reflective practice: a guide for medical students, doctors and teachers

Authors: Andrew Grant, Judy McKimm, Fiona Murphy

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Ltd

Reference: Grant, A., McKimm, J., & Murphy, F. (2017). Developing reflective practice: a guide for medical students, doctors and teachers. John Wiley & Sons.

ISBN : 9781119064749

Title: English and reflective writing skills in Medicine: a guide for medical students and doctors

Authors: Clive Handler, Charlotte Handler, Deborah Gill, Professor Sir John Tooke

Publisher: CRC Press

Reference: Handler, C., Handler, C., Gill, D., & Tooke, J. (2017). English and reflective writing skills in medicine: A guide for medical students and doctors. CRC Press.

ISBN: 9781315383729

Articles

Title: Reflection and reflective practice in health professions education: a systematic review

Authors: Karen Mann, Jill Gordan, Anna MacLeod

Publisher: Springer Science + Business Media

Reference: Mann, K., Gordon, J., & MacLeod, A. (2009). Reflection and reflective practice in health professions education: a systematic review. Advances in health sciences education, 14(4), 595-621.

Title: Twelve tips for conducting qualitative research interviews

Authors: Cormac McGrath, Per J. Palmgren, Matilda Liljedahl

Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group

Reference: McGrath, C., Palmgren, P. J., & Liljedahl, M. (2019). Twelve tips for conducting qualitative research interviews. Medical teacher, 41(9), 1002-1006.

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Authors: Stephen A. Fayle, Jinous F. Tahmassebi

Publisher: Dental Update

Reference: Fayle, S. A., & Tahmassebi, J. F. (2003). Paediatric Dentistry in the new millennium: 2. Behaviour management–Helping children to accept dentistry. Dental update, 30(6), 294-298.