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What forms can reflective assignments take? What are some examples of reflective assignments?

Reflective assignments can take many forms.  Just as traditional course assignments vary based on the subject, the students’ abilities, and the nature of the course, reflective assignments for a service-learning course can take a variety of shapes.  Faculty members should remember to plan the reflective assignments in light of class size, course level and course goals.  Students can work by themselves, in groups, or with their community partners (fig. 1) in accomplishing reflective assignments.  The assignments also can be adapted for various types of learners and learning situations (fig. 2). 

Fig. 1:  Examples of pre-, during-, and post- reflective assignments:

 

Pre-Service Reflection Activities

During-Service Reflection Activities

Post-Service Reflection Activities

Reflection Alone

  • Letter to myself

  • Journal Entries

  • Reflective Essay

Reflection in Groups

  • Hopes and Fears

  • Giant Likert Scale

  • Service-learning theater

  • Mixed team discussion

  • Team Presentation

  • Collage or mural

  • Video summary

Reflection with Community Partner

  • Planning with community

  • Asset mapping

  • Lessons learned debriefing

  • Presentation to community group

(Adapted from Eyler, 2001)

Fig. 2: Types of Learners and Reflective Assignments 

Doing

Oral

Reading

Writing

  • Art

  • Collages

  • Photo Displays

  • Video

  • Role play, simulations

  • Advocacy work

  • Interviews

  • Theater

  • Watching movies/videos

  • Program development

  • One-on-one meetings

  • Large group discussion

  • Presentations

  • Advocacy work

  • Interviews

  • Reflection with community partners

  • Mentoring

  • Teaching a class

  • Story telling

  • Legislative testimony

  • Case studies

  • Books about social issues

  • Current affairs articles

  • Community Newsletters

  • Government documents

  • Articles, books, etc. on leadership, citizenship

  • Bibliographies

  • Journals and logs

  • Reflection or self evaluation essays

  • Advocacy pieces

  • Community newsletters, press releases

  • Position papers

  • Letters home, to the community, or self

  • Group journals

  • Memos

  • Analysis/Integrative Papers

  • Training manuals

(Adapted from Eyler, Giles, & Schmiede, 1996)

Examples of Reflective Assignments

Diane Sloan has compiled a list of twenty-four reflective assignments entitled “Tried and True Teaching Methods to Enhance Students’ Service-Learning Experience.”

Reflection home

When should reflection occur in a Service-Learning course?

How are students graded on their reflective assignments?

Where can I obtain help in designing reflective assignments?