Description The assignment title for the pathophysiology module was “Critical review of literature on phases of repair and rehabilitation”. The critical review I submitted was on tendon healing, more specifically on the two latter phases of healing, proliferation and remodelling.
Feelings I choose tendons for this assignment as tendon injuries are one of the most common causes of wastage in the performance horse (Thorpe et al, 2010). I identified myself as a student with a deep approach to this assignment, Biggs (1988) identified three types of approaches students have to studying, students with a deep approach find enjoyment in carrying out the task. There is such a vast amount of research on tendon injury and rehabilitation that I enjoyed reading the journals and had access to a lot of literature.
Evaluation
Although I initially identified with the deep approach that Biggs (1988) describes, I then began to identify as a student with a surface approach. The surface approach is seeing the assignment as a demand to be met, essential to achieve the longer term goal. The student will have worries that the task is taking too long, yet also fears that they may fail if they do not spend enough time on it. I do believe that a contributing factor to the anxiety I feel regarding academic writing is attributed to my dyslexia. Dyslexic students in higher education have shown anxiety levels that are well above anxiety levels in students without learning difficulties (Carroll and Iles, 2006).
Analysis As this was my first assignment of this nature I did feel nervous about the quality of my academic writing. I will feel less apprehensive once I have received feedback on this assignment, as I will be implementing changes to improve assignments in future.
Conclusion
I felt happy with my choice of topic and have completed the assignment to the best of my current ability. I look forward to receiving feedback as I am sure it will be helpful to improve my academic writing.
References
Biggs, J. (1988). Approaches to learning and to essay writing.. In: Schmeck, R. Learning Strategies and Learning Styles. New York: Springer Science and Business Media. 185-186.
Carroll, J. Iles, J.. (2006). An assessment of anxiety levels in dyslexic students in higher education. British Journal of Educational Psychology. 76 (3), 651-662.
Thorpe, C. Clegg, P. Birch, H.. (2010). A review of tendon injury: Why is the equine superficial digital flexor tendon most at risk?. Equine Veterinary Journal. 42 (2), 174-180.
