Performance Acquisition
Reflective practice in education and learning involves the recruitment of an individuals cognitive, somatic and emotional capabilities to process events (past, present and future) in order to learn and improve (Harvey et al., 2016). Reflective models exist in many different forms, each suited to different individuals and accounting increased diversity (Barton and Ryan, 2014). For my reflections, I have employed Gibbs’ reflective cycle (Gibbs, 1988), using its six detailed stages to process and learn from my experiences.
Taking the step back into higher education after two years was incredibly daunting, especially alongside a mentally-demanding full-time job. After qualifying in 2023, I developed my own business in exercising horses to incorporate sports therapy and rehabilitation, putting into practice the skills I learnt. Despite my awareness of the unpredictable nature of rehabilitation, I struggled when plans were unsuccessful, especially when attempting to communicate clinical reasoning to owners when there was no easily-defined cause for the failure. This often left me feeling deflated and incompetent, even when owners were understanding and pleased with the service I had offered them.
I took a position in a small animal practice as a member of the client care team, offering a change of scenery whilst still improving the wellbeing of animals. In the past year, I have developed my client communication skills and confidence explaining difficult subjects at the vets and this has carried over to the small number of equine clients I treat. This has required a significant growth in my confidence, which has subsequently been reflected in my successful completion of my OSPE (with 100%) and biomechanics presentation (72%).
Whilst I still find difficult conversations and presenting as the main focus of attention incredibly challenging, my confidence has improved tenfold and I believe this will be seen across my assignment submissions. In turn, my academic writing has also improved this year and I attribute this to a dramatic reduction in procrastination due to anticipation of struggle, and therefore I am allowing myself enough time to complete projects. This was reflected in my Pathophysiology Critical Review on rehabilitating a CCL rupture, for which I was awarded 76% and thoroughly enjoyed writing!
As I progress through my studies, I want to continue to develop my knowledge whilst putting myself into situations outside of my comfort zone to continue developing my confidence.
