Methods of reflection about service learning: Guided vs. free, dialogic vs. expressive, and public vs. private
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.20343/teachlearninqu.2.1.81Keywords:
reflection, applied learning, experiential learning, service learning, blogsAbstract
Reflection is a key component of service learning, but research shows that in order to maximize learning, the reflection must be of high quality. This paper compares the affordances of three different models of written reflection in engendering students’ higher-order thought processes. Student reflections were compared across axes of guided versus free response, dialogic versus expressive reflection, and public versus private reflection. Results indicate that guided reflection yields more response than free reflection does. Dialogic and guided reflections both yield more integration of knowledge from service learning activities within a larger context. Results for public reflection versus private were mixed. Ethical considerations for public reflection are also discussed.
Metrics
References
Applegate, J., & Morreale, S. (2006). Preface. In D. Droge & B. Murphy (Eds.), Voices of strong democracy: Concepts and models for service learning in communication studies (pp. ix-xiv). Sterling, VA: Stylus.
Ash, S. L., & Clayton, P. H. (2004). The articulated learning: An approach to guided reflection and assessment. Innovative Higher Education, 29(2), 137-154.
Ash, S. L., & Clayton, P. H. (2009) Generating, deepening and documenting learning: The power of critical reflection in applied learning. Journal of Applied Learning in Higher Education, 1(1): 25-48.
Boyle-Baise, M., Brown, R., Hsu, M. C., Jones, D., Prakash, A., Rausch, M., ... & Wahlquist, Z. (2006). Learning service or service learning: Enabling the civic. International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, 18(1), 17-26.
Bradley, J. (1995). A model for evaluating student learning in academically based service. In M. Troppe (Ed.), Connecting cognition and action: Evaluation of student performance in service learning courses (pp. 13-26). Denver, CO: Education Commission of the States, Campus Compact.
Brown, N. (2011). A 360-degree view of international service learning. In R. Bringle, J. Hatcher, & S. Jones (Eds.), International service learning: Conceptual frameworks and research (pp. 57-68). Sterling, VA: Stylus.
Carrington, S., & Selva, G. (2010). Critical social theory and transformative learning: Evidence in pre-service teachers’ service learning reflection logs. Higher Education Research & Development, 29(1), 45-57.
Connors, K., & Seifer, S.D. (2005, September). Reflection in higher education service learning. Community–Campus Partnerships for Health.
Deardorff , D., & Edwards, K. (2013). Framing and assessing students’ intercultural competence in service learning. In P. Clayton et al. (Eds.), Research on service learning: Conceptual frameworks and assessment, Volume 2A: Students and Faculty (pp. 157-186). Sterling, VA: Stylus.
Dewey, J. (1933). How we think. Boston, MA: D.C. Heath and Company.
Dunlap, M. R. (1998). Methods of supporting students’ critical reflection in courses: Incorporating service learning. Teaching of Psychology, 25(3), 208-10.
Dyment, J. E., & O’Connell, T. S. (2011). Assessing the quality of reflection in student journals: A review of the research. Teaching in Higher Education, 16(1), 81-97.
Eyler, J. (2001). Creating your reflection map. New directions for higher education, 2001(114), 35-43.
Eyler, J. (2002). Reflection: Linking service and learning—Linking students and communities. Journal of Social Issues, 58(3), 517-534.
Folkestad, J. E., Senior, B. A., & DeMirana, M. A. (2002). The implications of service-learning for technology studies. Journal of Technology Studies, 28(1), 52-58.
Herington, C., & Weaven, S. (2008). Action research and reflection on student approaches to learning in large first year university classes. The Australian Educational Researcher, 35(3), 111-134.
Maher, M. J. (2003), Individual beliefs and cultural immersion in service learning: Examination of a reflection process. Journal of Experiential Education, 26(2) 88-96.
Marchel, C. (2004) Evaluating reflection and sociocultural awareness in service learning classes. Teaching of Psychology, 31(2), 120-123.
Moon, J. A. (1999). Reflection in learning and professional development: Theory and practice. New York, NY : Routledge Falmer.
Motley, P., and Sturgill, A. (2013) Assessing the merits of international service learning in developing professionalism in mass communication. Communication Teacher, 27(3), 172-189.
Oster-Aaland, L., Sellnow, T., Nelson, P., & Pearson, J. (2004). The status of service learning in departments of communication: A follow-up study. Brief reports. Communication Education, 53(4), 348-356.
Perkins, S., Kidd, V., & Smith, G. (2006). Service learning at the graduate level. In D. Droge & B. Murphy (Eds.), Voices of strong democracy: Concepts and models for service learning in communication studies (pp. 35-46). Sterling, VA: Stylus.
Quinton, S., & Smallbone, T. (2010). Feeding forward: Using feedback to promote student reflection and learning–a teaching model. Innovations in Education and Teaching International, 47(1), 125-135.
Russo, T. C., & Ford, D. J. (2006). Teachers’ reflection on reflection Practice. Journal of Cognitive Affective Learning, 2(2), 1-12.
Saltmarsh, J. (1997). Ethics, reflection, purpose, and compassion: Community service learning. New Directions for Student Services, 1997(77), 81-93.
Schön, D. A. (1983). The reflective practitioner: How professionals think in action. New York: Basic Books.
Soukup, P. (2006). Service learning in communication: Why? In D. Droge & B. Murphy (Eds.), Voices of strong democracy: concepts and models for service learning in communication studies (pp. 7-12). Sterling, VA: Stylus Publishing.
Terry, A. W., & Bohnenberger, J. E. (2004). Blueprint for incorporating service learning: A basic, developmental, K-12 service learning typology. Journal of Experiential Education, 27(1), 15-31.
Turnley, M. (2007). Integrating critical approaches to technology and service learning projects. Technical Communication Quarterly, 16(1), 103-123.
Urraca, B., Ledoux, M., & Harris, J. T. (2009). Beyond the comfort zone: Lessons of intercultural service. The Clearing House: A Journal of Educational Strategies, Issues, and Ideas, 82(6), 281-289.
Whitney, B., & Clayton, P. (2011). Research on and through reflection in international service learning. In R. Bringle, J. Hatcher, & S. Jones (Eds.), International service learning: Conceptual frameworks and research (pp. 145-187). Sterling, VA: Stylus.
Yunus, M. (2009). Creating a world without poverty: Social business and the future of capitalism. Philadelphia, PA: Public Affairs Books.
Zlotkowski, E. (2007). The case for service learning. In MacIlrath, L., & I. Mac Labhrainn (Eds.), Higher education and civic engagement: International perspectives (pp. 37-52). Burlington, VT: Ashgate Publishing.
