The Strawberry Point SchoolService Learning Primer
TABLE OF CONTENTS
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REFLECTION
Much of what we learn in life comes from reflecting on our experiences. Here is where we find probably the biggest difference between service learning and community service. Service learning requires that we provide structured time for students to think, talk, and write about what they did and observed during the service activity. Without reflection, we lose a great opportunity to maximize student learning.
Types of Reflection
There
are several types of reflection that are useful to engage your students
in:
• Cognitive reflection
examines the new knowledge and skills the students gain from their service
experience. This includes the kind of learning that is addressed in the
curriculum (math, science, writing, social studies, etc.).
• Affective reflection
looks at what students feel as a result of their experience. How has this
experience changed their attitudes or opinions or sensitivities?
• Process reflection
considers what students learn from the process, itself. This includes
things like how to work with others, and understanding the consequences
of actions.
By engaging the students in all these different kinds of reflection, you can optimize the learning part of the service learning experience.
(Thanks to the Close Up Foundation for the ideas on this page.)
The next few pages will help you address this critically important element of your project.
