title: Qualitative Analysis of Written Reflections during a Teaching Certificate Program.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the success of a teaching certificate program by qualitatively evaluating the content and extent of participants' reflections.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two investigators independently identified themes within midpoint and final reflection essays across six program years. Each essay was evaluated to determine the extent of reflection in prompted teaching-related topic areas (strengths, weaknesses, assessment, feedback).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-eight themes were identified within 132 essays. Common themes encompassed content delivery, student assessment, personal successes, and challenges encountered. Deep reflection was exhibited, with 48% of essays achieving the highest level of critical reflection. Extent of reflection trended higher from midpoint to final essays, with significant increases in the strengths and feedback areas.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The teaching certificate program fostered critical reflection and self-reported positive behavior change in teaching, thus providing a high-quality professional development opportunity. Such programs should strongly consider emphasizing critical reflection through required reflective exercises at multiple points within program curricula.
authors.affiliation: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Little Rock, Arkansas.
authors.forename: Ashley N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Castleberry
authors.affiliation: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Little Rock, Arkansas.
authors.forename: Nalin
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Payakachat
authors.affiliation: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Little Rock, Arkansas.
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ashby
authors.affiliation: University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
authors.forename: Amanda
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nolen
authors.affiliation: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Office of Educational Development, Little Rock, Arkansas.
authors.forename: Martha
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Carle
authors.affiliation: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Little Rock, Arkansas.
authors.forename: Kathryn K
authors.initials: KK
authors.lastname: Neill
authors.affiliation: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy, Little Rock, Arkansas.
authors.forename: Amy M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Franks
mesh_terms: D003479:Curriculum; D004512:Education, Pharmacy; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013663:Teaching; D014956:Writing
keywords: qualitative; reflection; teaching certificate program; teaching development