Written Reflection Influences Science Students’ Perceptions of Their Own and Their Peers’ Teamwork and Related Employability Skills

Abstract

The impact of written reflection on tertiary students’ self-efficacy, and corresponding evaluation of their peers’ abilities, is often imprecise and lacking in clarity. This study thus sought to assess the effects of a written reflective diary on science undergraduates’ teamwork-related and other employability skills. Employability skills, in particular students’ teamwork-related skills, are crucial to students’ career development and progression. Assessment was carried out using a series of pre- and post-reflection online surveys, the TeamQ assessment rubric, and student focus groups. Participants identified five key teamwork skills, the importance of which remained constant over time. Written reflection had a significant, positive effect on students’ self-efficacy of their oral communication skills. Students’ written reflections were also important in shaping their perceptions about the domain of fostering a team climate, both in terms of their own self-efficacy and perceptions of their peers’ abilities. This study has interesting implications for future research into science students’ teamwork and other employability skills.