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 service-learning leaders and participants 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 

Benefits of Reflection

• Connects coursework and theory with service in the community

• Develops critical thinking skills

• Challenges assumptions and opinions formed out of experience

• Understand the complexity of the need for the service in a large context

• Transformational   

Reflection Activites

  There are many effective and fun ways for your students to reflect on their service-learning experience beyond using journal entries and papers. Below are examples of how reflection has been integrated into service-learning courses

• DEAL Model for Critical Reflection, North Carolina State University  
• Global Service-Learning Reflection Activity, Building a Better World 
• Reflection Activities, University of Southern Florida 
• Reflection Toolkit, Northwest Service Academy 
• Service-Learning Reflection Journal, Purdue University 
• International Service-Learning Reflection Journal, Purdue University

Blogs

• Student Reflection Blogs to Communicate Lessons Learned, Regis University

• Service-Learning Journal Web Log (blog) Grading Rubric, University of Pittsburg

Articles on Reflection

• Reflection: Linking Service and Learning, Journal of Social Issues
• Reflection 101, Boise State University 
• Reflection Guidebook, Santa Monica College  
• Peer-Reviewed Article Database, Building a Better World 
• Power and Privilege, Building a Better World 
• Starfish Hurling and Community Service, Keith Morton 

Helpful Websites

• Building a Better World 

• Community Service-Learning Center, University of Minnesota  

• Reflection in Higher Education, National Service-Learning Clearinghouse

• Reflection in Service-Learning: Selected Resources, National Service-Learning Clearinghouse