The ability to reflect on experience is the key to transformational and enduring learning. Reflection can be particularly powerful in experiential learning courses, though it is a useful skill for all students to develop, no matter their field of interest. This series of half-hour micro-workshops will help faculty learn techniques and develop skills to strengthen the impact reflection can have on student learning. Scroll down to read the session descriptions and register. 1 PD hour per workshop (6 PD hours total). Completion of 5 or more Micro-Workshops will earn a $75 stipend.
“This micro-session series allowed me to take a step back and question my purpose for assigning them [reflection journals] in the first place. I learned why, how, and when to assign and assess reflections other than journal writings that also can help balance my workload.” – Donna Miguel, English
“I found so much to use in this series! Sapan provided us with a reflection framework and many examples of reflection approaches and assignments. This series opened my eyes to a different teaching/learning approach that I believe will add relevance to course content and help students see why their voices in the discipline are important.” – Betsy Zahrt Geib, Economics
“The Reflection Micro-Workshop worked for me on many levels. I was easily able to schedule the half hour sections about a subject that has plagued me for years. I had stopped doing Reflection Journals in my classes but am now energized to include them regularly. I feel that I have learned ways to include Reflection in a number of different ways (modalities) as well as a way to structure them for best outcome for the students and for me.” – Tammi Doyle, Drama
Micro-Workshop Descriptions
Tuesday, October 18, 12:30pm-1:00pm
Reflections often have a bad reputation; they are seen either as overly touchy-feely or as objective observations, neither of which create opportunities for meaningful student learning. In this session, participants will learn a few simple structures to move from reflection to critical reflection, and thus deepen the impact of the reflective practice.
Friday, October 21, 12:30pm-1:00pm
When designing questions that prompt reflection, we often leave them broad. However, to deepen learning and guide students to essential learning, it is important to allow them to build connections between coursework, experiences, and the world around them. In this session, we will explore how RISE’s 8Cs of Reflective Connection can strengthen the questions you ask.
Tuesday, October 25, 12:30pm-1:00pm
The most common form of reflection is the journal. It can be easy to pose a few questions on Canvas for student response. However, journals can also encourage students to think from different perspectives, build connections to their community, and plan actions. In this session, you will learn how journals can be designed to draw out new meaning for students.
Tuesday, November 1, 12:30pm-1:00pm
Written formats – journals, online discussion posts, exit slips – are the most popular ways to build reflection into courses. However, these tend to cater to those for whom writing is a strength. Class discussions, movement, and team activities can help reflections reach more students while making the practice more enjoyable. This session will introduce a few of these formats and techniques.
Friday, November 4, 12:30pm-1:00pm
You have decided to build multiple reflections into a course, but you are uncertain how to distinguish them in meaningful ways for you and your students. This workshop will cover Reflection Mapping, a simple technique for organizing topics, formats, and contexts into your different reflections. This technique can be applied to discussion or other activities, as well. Attendance at any of the previous workshops would be beneficial, though not required.
Tuesday, November 8, 12:30pm-1:00pm
While not all reflections need be graded, it is likely that you will want to assess student learning and expression through assigned reflections. This final micro-workshop will introduce participants to grading rubrics and to the ABC method for assessing reflections.
Event Registration
Last Updated October 10, 2022
