MedED-AI Epoch Article #111 Integrating Reflective Portfolios in Clinical Settings and the Role of AI in Assessment

Prof. Helen Batty's insightful presentation on?Integrating Reflective Portfolios in Clinical Settings?was thought-provoking and engaging. The discussion around using reflective portfolios as a tool for both assessment and learning in clinical environments sparked a deeper conversation on how AI could potentially reshape this traditional educational method.

Prof. Batty highlighted the importance of reflection in fostering deeper learning and clinical reasoning. The ability to think critically about one’s experiences, extract key learning points, and develop as a practitioner is invaluable in medical education. This aligns with the broader movement toward reflective practice, where learners are encouraged to be mindful of their growth and areas for improvement.

However, the conversation took a fascinating turn when the potential role of AI in assisting both students and assessors in the reflection process was debated.

Pros of Using AI in Reflection Writing and Assessment

1. Efficiency in Assessment: AI could help assessors by quickly analyzing and ranking reflective portfolios based on pre-established criteria. This could save time and reduce the manual burden on educators, allowing them to focus on more nuanced aspects of student development.

2. Consistency and Objectivity: One of the greatest challenges in assessing reflections is the subjectivity involved. AI could bring consistency to the evaluation process, minimizing biases that human assessors might unintentionally introduce.

3. Immediate Feedback: For students, AI tools could provide instant feedback, guiding them to refine their reflections in alignment with the rubric. This real-time interaction could enhance learning by encouraging students to think critically during the writing process.

4. Scalability: With the growing number of students in medical programs, scaling personalized feedback can be challenging. AI offers the opportunity to handle large volumes of assessments without compromising quality.

Cons and Challenges

1. Depth of Reflection: A significant point of debate is whether AI can truly capture the depth and nuance of personal reflection. Human experiences and emotions are often difficult to quantify, and there is a risk that AI might oversimplify or overlook the subtleties of a reflective piece.

2. Overreliance on AI: While AI can assist in drafting and refining reflections, there’s a concern that students might rely too heavily on AI-generated content, leading to a superficial engagement with the reflection process. True reflection requires a deep personal engagement, which AI cannot replicate.

3. Human Oversight: Though AI can streamline the assessment process, human assessors are still essential for validating and interpreting the results. The question remains: how do we balance the efficiency of AI with the need for human intuition and judgment in the evaluation process?

The discussion concluded with a powerful take-home message: while AI has the potential to transform the assessment of reflective portfolios by making the process more efficient and objective, it cannot replace the human element that is crucial for deeper learning. AI should be viewed as a complementary tool, enhancing but not replacing the reflective learning experience.

Dr Shazia Iqbal