Reflection in Service Learning

What are the Benefits of Reflection?

• Reflection allows students to synthesize the observed data gleaned from service activities and connect the new knowledge with the formal knowledge obtained from classroom activities and materials.
• Reflection allows for thinking critically about and analyze emotional responses to service activities in the context of course content and the learning objectives.
• Reflection allows students develop a deeper understanding of course subject matter outside of the traditional classroom environment.
• Reflection can promote interpersonal communication, problem solving skills, self-awareness, a sense of civic responsibility, and a sense of belonging.
• Reflection provides faculty the means to assess the experiential learning that occurs when students participate in service activities outside the classroom.

Reflection Questions

Reflection Questions Before Service Learning

• What is the identified problem/community need?
• How is your community partner site addressing that need?
• What are some of your perceptions or beliefs about the population you will be serving?
• What fear, if any, do you have about working in the community?
• What do you hope to gain from this experience?

Reflection Questions During Service Learning

• How does your service learning experience relate to the learning objectives of the course?
• What did you do at your site since the last reflection discussion?
• What have you observed so far?
• What are you learning?
• What has worked? What hasn't?
• What do you think will be the most valuable service you can offer at your site?
• What has been easy or difficult about the services you provide?
• Is there something more you could do to contribute to the solution?
• What specific skills are you using at your community site?

Reflection Questions After Service Learning

• What have you learned about yourself?
• What have you learned about your community?
• What have you contributed to the community site?
• What values, opinions, beliefs have changed?
• What was the most important lesson learned?
• How have you been challenged?
• What should others do about this issue?
• What impact did you have on the community?
• How can you continue your involvement with this group or social issue?