Structured reflection is the key by which service experiences are transformed into
learning. As the link between the service and the learning, reflection helps students
to think critically, problem solve, connect to academic knowledge, and connect to
career competencies. Utilize the reflection resources below to provide a deeper understanding
of service.
Why is there a need for your service?
What do you perceive as the underlying issue, and why does it exist?
What social, economic, political, and educational systems are maintaining and perpetuating
the situation?
What can you do with the knowledge you gained from this experience to promote change?
What similarities do you perceive between you and the people you are serving?
How are you perceived by the people you are serving?
What do you think a typical day is like for the people you serve? What pressures to
they confront?
What personal qualities (e.g. leadership, communication skills, empathy, problem solving
etc.) have you developed through your service experience?
What contribution can you make to public understanding of this issue based on your
service-learning experience?
In what ways are you finding your involvement with service difficult? What have you
found that is helping you follow through despite the difficulties you encounter?
