Faculty Resource for Service-learning Reflections
Prepared by the Meelia Center for Community Service

Purpose of reflection is to identify, examine and appreciate what has been learned.  There are a number of ways to reflect on service-learning:

I. Search to understand the value of the course content; with service learning, the course learning goals direct both the selection of placement site and definition of student's service role.

II. Exploration the limits of the course material. When service-learners are immersed in challenging community learning experiences they are exposed to social complexities that frequently require a deeper examination of the issues.  Reflection on the nature of these complexities can help to focus further study, for both students and faculty.
NOTE: In the Service Learning course on Blackboard there is a document that includes links to organizations that can take student thinking deeper into the issues and to the level of policy and systems change.

III. Include as many perspectives as possible. Ideas include;
a. Reflection in groups
b. Bring students and faculty together in reflection
c. Consider inviting volunteers who serve along with service-learners
d. Encourage student led reflections (faculty present or not)
e. Provide a way to include the perspectives of placement agencies
f. Develop mechanisms to ensure client voice
g. Consider including larger community voice
h. Identify who on campus should be share in the reflections

IV.   Consider the best format for grouping students. Options include:
a. Service-learners grouped by class
b. Students grouped by type of service (e.g. children, education, elderly, etc.)
c. Several different classes reflecting together
d. Classes from several different departments together

V.   Examine learning that occurs at a variety of levels.
a. Learning course content
b. Learning to integrate and apply concepts acquired outside of class
c. Learning about self (strengths, areas needing strengthening, interests, passions, tendencies, preconceived notions, etc.)
d. Learning to be a citizen (knowledge and skills)
e. Learning to lead (knowledge and skills)
f. Learning to appreciate the complexities of life and therefore the need to continue learning
g. Learning related to spirituality and faith
h. Learning that aids in defining future plans

VI. Consider ways in which involvement of the class and college have contributed to the
development of social capital.
a. Have groups been formed or strengthened on campus or in the community that attend to the public good?
b. Are there ways to more fully attend to the creation or engagement of groups that focus on the public good?

VII. Create various strategies for engaging in service learning reflections; these can
include:
a. Written reflections
b. Oral presentations
c. Artistic representation
d. Presentations that include performing arts
e. Reflections that include a common reading

VIII. Direct reflection to the role of faculty members, students, community partners and those served in strengthening service learning, on campus and in the community.
a. Service-learning is at its best when it is democratic.  Let everyone become co-creators of this learning approach
b. Service-learning can be a vehicle for systemic change.  To achieve that promise everyone needs to critically examine changes that could facilitate more effective service-learning, and their own role in that change process.
c. The future of service-learning on campus and in higher education is only as bright as the vision that guides it. Part of defining individual roles is defining that vision.
NOTE: In the Service Learning course on Blackboard there is a document written by a coalition of college presidents that describes the civic mission of higher education.

IX. Don't forget to celebrate everyone's accomplishment.
a. Service-learning contributes to the public good.  Feel good about it!
b. Celebration builds enthusiasm for more service.
c. Through celebration new alliances may be formed
NOTE: In the Service-Learning course on Blackboard there is a document that includes inspirational quotes.  This could be helpful in building enthusiasm and creating celebration.

X. Final Note:
In the Service-Learning course on Blackboard there is a document that
provides links to articles and organizations that provide additional insight
into service-learning reflection strategies and resources.