Reflection and Testimonials
At NCCU, Service Learning constitutes a broad range of disciplines and learning objectives, but one aspect of the experience distinguishes Service Learning from Community Service more prominently than any other. Reflection.

Reflection is a fundamental component of Service Learning which acts as the vehicle to merge classroom study with hands-on, community experience.

Without Reflection, many of the learning outcomes would not be clear and the impact would not be expressed by the participants. Thus it is vital for reflection to be structured and intentional in its purpose.

A Service Learning trip with the Wilderness Society ended in reflection from students who found a stronger civic responsibility to protect the environment.

"I also realized it is the responsibility of North Carolinians to contact our North Carolina Representatives and let them know we must do everything possible to continue to fund our states parks and preserve them." -Dawn Braswell, NCCU student

"Once the work was finished and goodbyes said, there still remained a desire to [participate further]. On the ride back Ms. Tidwell purposed inviting representatives of the Uwharrie National forest to speak about public land use issues at NCCU. The [idea] was well received." -Matthew Yearout, NCCU Student

Reflection Ideas

Reflection is sometimes viewed as a daunting task. Why not just perform the service activity and call it a day? Because without a structured way to reflect on that service, you will never be able to clearly see what the participants learned or took away from their experience. With a little preparation, you can have powerful tools for reflection that will allow dialogue to flourish around issues that affect the many issues we are trying to address.

Below is a list of a few reflection ideas you may choose to use for your service learning course.