Reflection 1

During this semester I have wanted to improve my efficiency and routine on extra spinal screens. We have
been going through a different region each week: shoulder, wrist elbow etc. I feel confident with the
treatment, being adjustments and soft tissue work. However, I wanted to focus on improving my general
screen for each region in the form of a routine which I can take into student clinic.

I was provided with the information in class to develop a routine from, however, I needed to gather further
information as to how to best retain this for long term clinical use. We generally have so much information to
retain each semester, I needed to research the best way possible for me to successfully develop the extra
spinal screen routines. I decided to look into the different learning styles and found that there are various
types and you can test your own style through the VAAK questionnaire (Anderson, 2016).

VAAK was initially developed in 1987 by Neil Fleming, Christchurch, New Zealand, was the first to
systematically present a series of questions to help identity the individual’s learning style ("VARK Learning Style
Questionnaire", 2021). I went on to complete the test and found that I am a kinaesthetic and visual learner.

A team approach was not necessary as I could personally use this new information to help me develop a
stronger extra spinal screen. For each region I used the information we learnt in class and recorded a video of
myself performing the screen at home on a friend. I then proceeded to watch the videos and practice on a
friend three times a week for 4 weeks. To help measure my progress and ensure this had addressed my clinical
problem, I developed a weekly chart which recorded my time, accuracy of the routine and overall self-rated
confidence level.

This method was effective in improving my efficiency and confidence in extra spinal screens. As clearly
displayed in appendix 1 for the shoulder screen data, where my time to complete the screen was longer in
week 1 at 5 mins and 31 seconds, to only 2 mins and 20 seconds in week 4. Overall confidence also grew from
6/10 to 9/10.

In the future, I now know I could use this renewed approach on a similar situation and take advantage of my
new awareness of personal learning styles.

SHOULDER Time to complete Accuracy Confidence level

Week 1 5 mins 31 seconds 60% 6/10
Week 2 4 mins 48 seconds 70% 7/10
Week 3 3 mins 56 seconds 85% 8/10
Week 4 2 mins 20 seconds 90% 9/10

Anderson, I. (2016). Identifying different learning styles to enhance the learning experience. Nursing
Standard, 31(7), 53-63. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns.2016.e10407
VARK Learning Style Questionnaire. VARK - A Guide to Learning Styles. (2021). Retrieved 25 August 2021, from
https://vark-learn.com/the-vark-questionnaire/.