Reflection

• Reflection is a necessary component of your service-learning experience. The process of reflecting helps connect coursework with  your time in the community, and allows you to critically think about previously formed assumptions and opinions you may hold. 

Benefits

• Connects coursework with service in the community

• Develops critical thinking skills

• Challenges assumptions and opinions formed out of experience

• Helps students better understand challenging situations

• Transformational

• Creative 

When to Reflect

•  Your instructor will incorporate reflection activities into your coursework. Reflection often takes place before, during and after your service-learning experience.

How to Reflect

• There are many different ways to reflect on your experience. Your instructor might have you keep a journal, create a video presentation, work in small groups, or write a paper. Reflection often involves asking yourself some challenging questions; don't be afraid to dig deep and think creatively!
• Starfish Hurling by Keith Morton is a helpful document about how to reflect on your experience. 

Saying Goodbye

•   The service-learning experience can have a big impact on the student, the community partner, and community members. As the quarter comes to an end, be sure to communicate and reflect with the community agency. For tips on how to successfully say goodbye to your placement site, click here