An examination of the use of reflection in the assessment of practice for undergraduate nursing students.

Reflection-on-practice by second year undergraduate nursing students was examined both during clinical placements and soon after. Students identified incidents which had occurred during their practice and discussed them with the researcher individually, in pairs and in a larger group. Data relating to both students' and the researcher's perceptions of these sessions were collected by questionnaire and from diary entries. It was concluded that the purpose of reflection as part of the assessment of practice needs to be clearly defined. Helping students to develop reflective skills is different to assessing their skills and the level of reflection demonstrated.