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Service
Learning Individual Reflection Ideas
Individual reflection
before initial project
Write a letter
Write a letter to yourself or someone else in regards to the initial project.
Express your first thoughts when asked to participate in the project.
Are you excited, scared, anxious about participating in a service-learning
project? Stick the letter in an envelope and open it after the project
has been completed. Compare yourself from the beginning to the end.
Brainstorm
On a sheet of paper, brainstorm a list of possible projects you would
like to do. Don't be confined by resources, time, etc. Fill up the entire
paper.
Brainstorm problems
On a sheet of paper, brainstorm a list of anticipated problems. How could
you prevent these problems from happening? What would be your initial
reaction? Think of possible solutions to the problems.
Observation list
Take a walk around your community and make a list of needed improvements.
It may be broken play equipment, faded signs, pile of junk. Mark these
areas on a map. At the same time, survey people in the community on what
they think needs improvement. You may have them fill out a survey or interview
them on their insights.
Research
Contact possible community agencies in regards to possible projects. Survey
the community on what they would like to see improved. Discuss these ideas
with the agencies.
Scan skills
Create a list of personal skills. Do you like working with children, the
elderly, or all types of people? What types of clubs or organization have
you been apart of? Are there any other volunteer opportunities and roles
that interest you? What are your interests, skills, and talents that you
would like to share?
Individual reflection during the project
Keep a journal
Throughout the project, keep a daily journal. Are you learning more about
yourself, others? Have you encountered any problems? What can you take
away from the whole experience? What are the benefits of doing a service-learning
project?
Create a collage
Create a collage of your experience. Pictures that were taken, memorabilia,
objects that capture the experience. Share your collage with others in
the group.
Take pictures
Take pictures during the project. Afterwards, use the pictures to create
a scrapbook featuring your project. Use the scrapbook in promoting service
learning in the community or other organizations, agencies that may be
interested.
Individual reflection after the project
Cartoon Strip
Create a cartoon strip that highlights your project. A connection you
made with a person, an action shot, or the project from beginning to end.
Draw a scene that captures the essence of the project. Submit your cartoon
to a local newspaper or distribute it around the community in promoting
awareness.
Make music
For the musically inclined youth, create a song or rap dealing with the
project. Present the song or rap to the group and/or community.
Write an article
Write an article on the project and submit it to the local newspaper.
Produce your own newsletter and distribute it around the neighborhood,
informing others.
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Service Learning Group Reflection Ideas
Group reflection
before initial project
Fishbowl
Give each youth a slip of paper and have them write down a question or
concern they may have about the project. Gather the slips of paper and
put it in a container. Go through the questions and concerns with the
group.
Graffiti Wall
Post two separate chart papers on a wall. One sheet would consist of thoughts,
pictures, and phrases on the benefits of service learning. The other sheet
would consist of thoughts, pictures, and phrases on what hinders youth
from participating in service learning projects.
Divide the youth into
two groups and assign them one sheet to work on. Afterwards, have them
switch and add to the graffiti wall. Discuss what was written on the two
sheets.
Group discussion
Gather together as a group and discuss possible projects. What types of
services are needed around the community? How can the group learn from
the project? Set goals, assign roles, and plan together.
Guest speaker
Invite a guest speaker representing the agency or project that the group
will be involved with. Have them share background information on the agency,
current issues that need to be addressed, and possible project ideas.
Encourage youth to ask questions and express their concerns.
KWL
What the students know, what they want to know, and what they learned.
This activity can be done before and after the initial project. Post three
sheets of paper on the board or label the headings on a board. Have the
youth state what they know about service learning. Secondly have the youth
state what they want to know. After the project, the youth can state what
they learned during the project. It is great idea to measure what was
learned throughout the project.
Group reflection during the project
Share journal entries
Share journal entries with one another. Share in pairs, small group, or
in the large group. Have each youth submit one entry anonymously and have
a spokesperson read it out loud to the group.
Group reflection
after the project
Website
Put up a website in regards to your project. Post pictures, suggestions,
journal entries, and resource guides, for others interested in doing a
service-learning project. Set up a chat session, message board, or email
for correspondence.
Skit
Create a skit that captures the project in action. Have the group reenact
the project from beginning to end, a special moment, or a highlight from
the experience. Present the skit to other groups interested in doing a
service-learning project. The group can also present the skit to community
members in raising awareness.
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Service Learning Community Partner Reflection Ideas
Community partner
reflection before initial project
Inform youth of the agency's mission statement and background. Make a
list of what needs to be accomplished, assign roles, set goals, and plan
together.
Community partner
reflection during the project
Meet with youth who are interested in participating in a project. Set
up a forum for the youth to ask questions and attain information.
Community partner
reflection after the project
Assess the project. Was the project beneficial to the agency as well as
the participants? What worked well? What can be done differently next
time? Have youth write reflections on the project.
Present your project
to a funding partner. Inform them of service learning projects and how
it can be beneficial to their agency as well.
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Reflection Activities