Wayne State University

AIM HIGHER

Community Engagement@Wayne

"Supporting undergraduate and graduate learning and research in community-based sites"

What is Reflection?

Reflection is a key component of service-learning.   Reflection occurs when service participants engage in a thought provoking activity that deliberately connects the service experience to learning objectives. Reflection can take place before, during, and after the service.

There is no one prescribed reflective activity. In choosing a reflection activity, the service-learning practitioner should be creative; tie the activity to particular learning objectives; and take into consideration of the ability, composition, and “personality” of the reflection group; how the activity or students will be evaluated; and where the activity will take place.

Reflection may involve writing, reading, telling and showing. Some examples of activities that can facilitate the reflection process, while documenting the learning that has occurred from the service experience, are

DEFINITIONS OF REFLECTION
“The critical component of successful service-learning programs is “reflection.” Reflection describes the process of deriving meaning and knowledge from experience and occurs before, during, and after a service-learning project. Effective reflection engages both teachers and students in a thoughtful and thought-provoking process that consciously connects learning with experience. It is the use of critical thinking skills to prepare for and learn from service experiences.”
 - National Service-Learning Clearinghouse

“Community service, in itself, can be meaningful, pointless, or harmful. Reflection is the key to getting meaning from your service experience. What is reflection? It is a process by which service-learners think critically about their experiences. Why is reflection important? Learning happens through a mix of theory and practice, thought and action, observation and interaction. It allows students to learn for themselves.”

 - Mark Cooper, “The Big Dummy’s Guide to Service-Learning”

 “Reflection is the internal consideration of an experience in light of particular learning objectives. Reflection should be both retrospective and prospective: students consider the service experience in order to influence their future action. Effective reflection activities are linked to particular learning objectives of the class, are guided by the instructor, occur regularly throughout the course, allow for feedback and assessment, and include opportunities for the clarification of values. When reflection activities are integrated into class discussion and appear on exams, students report higher levels of satisfaction with the course and greater academic gains from the experience. A service- learning class should include some type of reflection activity that can be evaluated by the instructor. This affords the opportunity to document the learning that has occurred from the service component.”

- Indiana Campus Compact

WHY REFLECT?
Reflection allows the service participant to capture the value of the service experience.

BENEFITS OF REFLECTION