PURPOSE:
As midwifery education evolves in response to technological disruption, artificial intelligence, and the ethical imperative to foster authentic professional formation, traditional reflective assessment tools demand reconsideration.

DISCUSSION:
We present an innovative, asynchronous, multi-stage video reflection strategy designed to deepen critical reflection, enhance educator insight, and support student transformation into autonomous midwifery professionals. This strategy involves three structured, asynchronous video reflections submitted over a six-week period following a key clinical learning event. Part 1, recorded within 24 hours, captures raw, affective responses, initial observations, and immediate insights. Part 2, submitted within two weeks, supports early analytical reflection, guided debriefing, and identification of learning needs. Part 3, at six weeks, facilitates integration of evidence-based literature, deeper synthesis, and articulation of practice changes. Crucially, this model prioritises the process of reflection over written proficiency, offering a more authentic, multimodal insight into students' critical thinking. Academics provide feedback at each stage, enabling timely intervention and tailored support. Furthermore, staged video submissions enhance the educator's ability to assess the authenticity of reflection; an essential safeguard in the current era of generative AI, where verifying original student work and genuine professional development is increasingly complex. Preliminary implementation of this model within an Australian midwifery education program has yielded high levels of student engagement, with learners valuing the opportunity for immediate and longitudinal reflection. Academics report enhanced capacity to assess reflective depth, identify students needing additional support, and foster sustained critical thinking. This innovative approach demonstrates a pedagogically robust, and technologically congruent method for assessing reflection in midwifery education. It aligns with global calls for more authentic assessment, offering a meaningful response to contemporary challenges in academic integrity and professional formation.

EVIDENCE WHERE RELEVANT:
Not applicable

KEY MESSAGE:
A multi-stage asynchronous video reflection strategy enhances authenticity, fosters critical thinking, and protects academic integrity in midwifery education amid rising use of generative AI. Place of birth - homebirth (including three-minute presentation competition)