MAPIP Reflections

How to Write a Reflection

Why so much reflection? And what is a reflection anyway?

  • Reflection a process of examining and interpreting experience to gain new understanding.
  • When part of the learning process reflection should:
    • Transform experience into genuine learning about individual values and goals and about larger social issues.
    • Challenge students to connect activities to learning objectives and to develop higher-level thinking and problem solving.
    • Work against the perpetuation of stereotypes by raising students' awareness of the social structures

Reflections contain 3 parts: What, so what, now what

  • What?: Is descriptive, deals with facts, what happened, with whom
    • Examples of "what" questions: What did I experience today?, What did I see
  • So What? Shifts from descriptive to interpretive, Meaning of experience for each participant, Feelings involved, lessons learned?
    • Examples of "so what" questions: What has this meant to me?, What impact does this have on me? On the community? Nation? How will this change me?
  • Now What? Applying lessons learned/insights gained to new situations, setting future goals, creating an action plan
    • Examples of "now what" questions: What is the next step in dealing with this issue? What changes can I make in my life to make an impact?, Is there something larger I can begin to do?, Are there others that can help me in my efforts?