Reflective Practices in Speech and Language Therapy Degree

Speech and language therapists are health professionals working with people with communication and swallowing-related problems. The scope of practice includes competences that go far beyond clinical and technical abilities. As in other fields, inter and intrapersonal competences are crucial to develop and establish quality health services and a well-succeeded career. Reflective practices are used to achieve a professional profile aligned with 21st century competences, with strong soft skills, and capacity to develop new competences during professional lifetime. This chapter presents the experience of a Portuguese health school where several tools and strategies have systematically been used for the last 15 years in a Speech and Language Therapy degree, as tutorials, portfolio, reflective reports, self- and peer assessments, simulations, and clinical practicum. The outcomes are relevant and may be inspiring for other allied health professions' education, including students, teachers, and clinical educators.