Embedded Files
evidence
evidence
Evidence should be recorded every time you take part in an experience.
Good evidence is designed to answer the questions:
What did you do in the experience?
How often did you do it?
Who did you do it with?
Where did it happen?
Evidence can take all sorts of forms: videos, logs, blogs, calendars, recordings, photos etc. so remember to have cameras, recorders, phones with you when you engage in the experience.
Students should set up simple routines to ensure that they collect and upload evidence to their CAS Google Folder and/or CAS Portfolio on a regular basis. A helpful idea is to have your photos/videos automatically upload to your Google Drive.
reflections
reflections
Reflections should be added as they happen - reflections should mirror the length of time of the experience, examples:
One week = one or two reflections
One month = 4 or 5 reflections
A reflection is designed to show a student's personal reaction to an experience.
Reflections can be provided in a variety of different formats: journal, recordings made by individual students, recordings of conversations about the activity involving other students, videos etc. Student should find the format that they are most comfortable with.
A good reflection:
Focuses on the feelings involved with the experience, not a retelling of the experience.
Tell, as simply as possible, what a student felt about a particular experience at a particular time and how that fits with the goals and intentions for the experience.
Should discuss the extent to which the Learning Outcomes have been met.
Quality Reflection Examples:
Example for: Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
During my time at Red Cross, I was challenged in the area of working together with others. I tend to work independently as I am in control of everything. When I then had to learn to work collaboratively with others, I felt that I had to use a lot more of my energy as I wanted to make a good impression and always be kind towards others. Communication was key in order to have good team work - this went easy as I spoke Danish with them. It was harder to work together when there were more people as people were arguing more. When working in the shop and not in the back of the store (where you organise and sort the clothes), it was important to be several people as someone always needed to be behind the counter and others needed to help customers or make sure the store was organised. I would have been scared if I was the only in the store hence I acknowledge that working together is a benefit. By working together, I learnt to communicate clearly, listen carefully and ask for help when needed.
Example for: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
The reason I chose to do voluntary work at Red Cross is because it is an international organization that works globally and across the world. It was important to me that I made a difference in a global issue that is personally important to me - in this case preventing human suffering and ensuring respect for all human beings (the target for Red Cross). This is an issue of global significance and by working voluntarily at Red Cross, I experienced first hand suffering and inequality. While yes, I feel good about doing voluntary work because I know it makes a difference and it feels good to help others, what is most important is that people were helped and are continually helped by this organization.
Example for: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
While working at Red Cross, I identified some of my strengths and weaknesses. Some of my strengths include perseverance, memory, being kind and showing up on time. There were some times where I didn't want to be there but I showed up consistently despite some obstacles and negative experiences. When I learnt how to sort the clothes, put a price tag etc, I relied a lot on my memory. I always tried to be positive and helpful in order to avoid mistakes and seem willing to learn. I always showed up on time as it gives a good impression and is important for keeping a job. Some of my weaknesses were trying something new and making mistakes. I was scared of making mistakes so I often asked for help instead of trying something new and if it didn't work then ask for help.
Example for: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
Working collaboratively was definitely challenging because there were a lot of different types of people and it was not always easy to agree and just do as told. We all had different opinions and ways of communicating hence I found myself frustrated at times. It was a challenge to speak Danish for so long. I am best at English hence I was insecure about my Danish at times, but eventually overcame this obstacle.
Example for: Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
As mentioned earlier, it always felt right to do voluntary work because I knew it would benefit others, and also myself of course (learning new skills). I always kept in mind that what I was doing was a part of a bigger purpose. If I didn't show up when I was planned to be there, or if I slacked off because I was uncomfortable with my Danish skills, ultimately it was not just me that was impacted - my choices and actions were impacting others who were already struggling. I am happy that I worked at Red Cross and decided to engage with a global issue that was personal to me, as this kept me motivated and engaged. Through this experience, I can see how my choices and actions effect others much more than I previously thought.
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