Document Type
Working Paper
Publication Date
2024
Abstract
Reflection is the critical element of community-based learning (CBL) courses at the University of Richmond. Faculty who teach CBL courses design reflection assignments that weave academic content with community experiences, helping students discover their own assumptions and deepen their understanding.
This workbook is meant to be a practical introduction to designing reflection assignments through the modes of community-based learning utilized in University of Richmond courses. The Bonner Center for Civic Engagement offers a robust Course Support Grant program to assist faculty with the many needs arising in CBL classes and a requirement of the grant is to describe the reflection activity in the class. We offer this introduction to CBL reflection to assist your design of reflection assignments, but no part of it is required. Use what makes sense within your own course design. We are also happy to meet and brainstorm if that would be helpful, before the beginning of the class or after the class is over, with student reflection responses to feed an assessment of how well it worked. Reflection assignments can evolve with repeated iterations of the class. This guide can give you a place to start, and we look forward to accompanying you in your community-based learning experiences.
Recommended Citation
Dolson, T. (2024). Building reflection into community-based learning classes. Bonner Center for Civic Engagement, University of Richmond, Richmond, VA.