Gillingham, Kelly, Kyle Eggleton, and Felicity Goodyear-Smith. "Is reflective learning visible in online discussion forums for medical students on general practice placements? A qualitative study." Teaching and learning in medicine 32.4 (2020): 434-441.

This case report explores the use of online discussion forums for enhancing reflective learning among medical students on general practice (GP) placements at the University of Auckland. Implemented in a curriculum for Year 5 and 6 students, the forums aimed to foster community presence and reflective practice despite geographical isolation. Using an adapted Community of Inquiry framework, the study analyzed discussion forum transcripts to assess cognitive, social, and teacher presence. While the forums facilitated positive peer interaction and knowledge sharing, they largely resulted in superficial reflection with limited deep or affective reflection. Faculty involvement was minimal, focusing more on direct instruction than prompting reflective discussion. The report suggests that enhancing peer interaction and increasing faculty facilitation could improve the depth of reflection.