Reflection
Purposes
Reflection is a key component of service-learning. This piece ties everything together and helps students make more meaning out of their experience.
Reflection serves several purposes including
- Describes what happened
- Places experience in larger context
- Considers project improvements
- Generates ideas
- Identifies questions
[Source: Kaye, C.B. (2004) The Complete Guide to Service-Learning. Free Spirit Publishing: Minneapolis, MN.]
Modeling
One way to think about reflection is using the "What? So what? Now what?" Model.
What? – Describe the experience.
- What did you see at the site?
- What kind of work did you do?
- What were the reactions to you?
So what? – Explain the experience.
- How does what I’m studying in class related to what I’ve seen?
- How are we perpetuating this problem?
- How did you feel at the site?
Now what? – Think longer term.
- What can I do something to help alleviate this problem?
- How will my career choice help this issue?
- What can I do as a citizen to make things better?
Methods
Depending on the project and the format of the class, the reflection method will differ. Some common methods include
- Discussion
- Writing in linked English class
- Portfolios – paper or electronic
- Journals or blogs
- Artifacts – a work of art, a performance piece, etc.
- Presentations on or off campus
- Creating a brochure or other publication