Welcome to the Reflection Learning Library. This resource can help you identify the best ways to incorporate reflection as a form of learning in service and civic engagement.
What is reflection?
Reflection is the process of deep thinking and consideration of an event or experience. Reflection can be done individually or with others, and creates space to make sense out of an experience.
Reflection is a deliberate and conscientious process that employs a person’s cognitive, emotional, and physical capacities to mindfully contemplate on past, present, or future (intended or planned) actions in order to learn, better understand and potentially improve future actions.
Guiding Practice
It's important to take time to identify why you want to use reflection, what you expect to get out of reflection, and how you can approach reflection so it is most effective for learning. Whether you are planning for an experience, are currently immersed in an experience, or reviewing an experience, you can use these "Pace" guiding practices.
Pause
Sometimes we are so focused on our acts of service that we forget to take a moment to pause. Pausing allows us to really connect with the experience we are having. Whether it is by yourself or with others, it is important to find time to stop and process.
Assess
An important component of reflecting is assessing what you’ve done, who was involved, and the end result. All thoughts, emotions and feelings are important to the process, so don’t leave anything out.
Connect
How does the work you have completed connect back to your original vision, goals, and your values? Revisit what brought you to this work and see if it is in alignment with where you are.
Express
A critical component of reflection is being able to express what you’ve done and how you feel about it. This could be something you do for yourself or something you share with others. How would you choose to crystalize and share your experience? Whether you choose to reflect alone or with others, the important thing is that you set aside time for the process. Be intentional, be thoughtful, be honest and be specific.
Reflection Tools
Journaling offers people the opportunity to use writing to record thoughts, feelings, and ideas.
Get people moving and reflect at the same time. This activity is particularly effective when bringing people together after they have experienced different parts of the same program, project, or event.
This activity is designed to teach students how to create personal and communal wellness plans, identify campus and local resources, and find rest in community.
The Enneagram system is designed to provide insights into human behavior while also illuminating pathways of growth and development.
Civic Love is one’s love for society, expressed through a commitment to the common good. The 36 Questions for Civic Love offer opportunity for conversation on how we can grow civic love together.
What brings us to service and civic engagement can vary. Understanding our individual and group motivations can help strengthen relationships and focus response.
The Pace Center for Civic Engagement Reflection Cards are decks of playing cards that can be used by individuals or groups to spark reflection.
This activity is designed to help build context and cohesion in a group, as well as help people practice their communication and listening skills.