Learning to look: evaluating the student experience of an interactive image appraisal activity

Ashworth, J; Thompson, JD; Mercer, CE

Abstract

Introduction
Student radiographers have expressed difficulty in performing image appraisal tasks. The purpose of this study was to investigate the value of a workshop delivered to level 4 undergraduate students. All students completed an image appraisal activity, inputting their appraisal into software that displayed their response alongside an expert opinion. They were asked to identify and discuss any discrepancy.

Methods
All Level 4 students participated in an image appraisal workshop and were subsequently invited to take part in a focus group immediately after the activity. Twenty-three students took part in three focus groups (n = 7; n = 8; n = 8). A thematic analysis of transcripts was performed alongside validation from observations during the image appraisal activity.

Results
Findings demonstrate that despite teaching and resources being available, students had focused on learning a generic checklist for image appraisal, had not appreciated the application of projection specific criteria and felt underprepared. The use of specific criteria and repetition within the task was considered useful. They identified learning needs and misconceptions through peer discussion and via the expert opinion, highlighting the value of feedback. Students enjoyed the workshop and made suggestions for implementation into the curriculum.

Conclusion
Educators must not assume that the provision of resources will result in students developing deep knowledge. Teaching and learning strategies that are task specific are recommended to avoid a surface approach to learning. Time, repetition and appropriate feedback are essential to enable learners to develop competence and confidence for complex visual tasks, such as image appraisal.

Citation

Ashworth, J., Thompson, J., & Mercer, C. (2019). Learning to look: evaluating the student experience of an interactive image appraisal activity. Radiography, 25(4), 314-319. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2019.02.011

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 18, 2019
• Publication Date: Sep 30, 2019
• Deposit Date: Feb 17, 2023
• Journal: Radiography
• Print ISSN: 1078-8174
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Volume: 25
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 314-319
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2019.02.011
• Publisher URL: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.radi.2019.02.011