Service LearningService Learning

Janet EylerVanderbilt University

Eyler reflecting on service

We do not learn from doing, we

learn from thinking about what we do.- Northwest Service Academy

Experience is not what happens to people; it is what people do with what happened to them.

- Aldous Huxley

Goals of Reflection Exploring impressions and feelings Understanding self and place in world Deep understanding of academic content;

connecting theory with service Applying learning to practice -- transfer Challenging assumptions/ transforming

perspectives Stimulating cognitive development/ problem

solving Becoming self-aware – metacognition

What Value can Service-Learning Add to Academic Learning ?

Reflection is the most consistent quality variable in service-learning research that is linked to positive outcomes.

Eyler reflecting on service

Eyler Service-Learning

Eyler Service-Learning

Kolb’s Model of Learning

ACTION

REFLECTION

Reflective Observation

Concrete Experience

Abstract Conceptualization

Active Experimentation

WHAT?

SO WHAT?NOW WHAT?

Eyler reflecting on service

Effective ReflectionBased on Research Interviews with Students

Continuous Connected Challenging Contextualized

Your Reflection MapYour Reflection Map

From: Eyler, J. (2001). Creating your reflection map. In M. Canada (Ed.) Service-learning: Practical advice and models. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass New Directions for Higher Education Series # 114, 35-43

We shall not cease from explorationAnd the end of all our exploringWill be to arrive where we startedAnd know the place for the first time

T.S. Eliot

Step 1: Step 2:

Step 3Step 4

A Positive Learning Experience